Tamid - תמיד

Seder Kodashim | Tractate on the Daily Offering

About Tamid

Masechet Tamid describes the daily Temple service (עבודת התמיד) — the procedures and rituals performed every day in the Beit HaMikdash. The tractate provides a vivid, step-by-step account of:

• The priestly watches and overnight guard duty in the Temple
• The morning lottery system for assigning Temple duties
• The removal of ashes from the altar (terumat hadeshen)
• The arrangement of wood on the altar
• The slaughter and preparation of the daily offering
• The cleaning of the inner altar and the Candelabrum (Menorah)
• The incense offering in the Sanctuary
• The priestly blessing and the Levites’ song

Tamid is unique among tractates: it reads more like a narrative description of the Temple service than a legal discussion, giving us a window into daily life in the Temple.

Structure

Tamid contains 7 chapters and 34 mishnayot.

Available Mishnayot

Chapter 1

• Tamid 1:1-2 - Priestly guard duty; the morning immersion and lottery
• Tamid 1:3-4 - Opening the courtyard gates; the ash removal procedure

Chapter 2

• Tamid 2:1-2 - Clearing limbs from the altar; raising ashes onto the circular heap
• Tamid 2:3-4 - Raising logs for the arrangement; the large arrangement of wood
• Tamid 2:5-3:1 - Cross-chapter: The second arrangement for incense; the second lottery

Chapter 3

• Tamid 2:5-3:1 - Cross-chapter: The second arrangement for incense; the second lottery
• Tamid 3:2-3 - Checking if dawn has arrived; fetching the lamb
• Tamid 3:4-5 - Preparing the lamb; the slaughterhouse
• Tamid 3:6-7 - The priests carry vessels to the Sanctuary; opening the gate
• Tamid 3:8-9 - Sounds heard from Jericho; removing ashes from inner altar and Candelabrum

Chapter 4

• Tamid 4:1-2 - The lamb was not fully bound; the slaughter and blood collection
• Tamid 4:3-5:1 - Cross-chapter: Dissecting the daily offering; the Chamber of Hewn Stone

Chapter 5

• Tamid 4:3-5:1 - Cross-chapter: Dissecting the daily offering; the Chamber of Hewn Stone
• Tamid 5:2-3 - The priestly blessing and the incense lottery
• Tamid 5:4-5 - Arranging the incense; the prostration
• Tamid 5:6-6:1 - Cross-chapter: Offering the limbs; the meal and wine offerings

Chapter 6

• Tamid 5:6-6:1 - Cross-chapter: Offering the limbs; the meal and wine offerings
• Tamid 6:2-3 - The incense service in the Sanctuary

Chapter 7

• Tamid 7:1-2 - The High Priest’s service; the priestly blessing
• Tamid 7:3-4 - The Levites’ song for each day; the psalm for Shabbat

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