For the source text click/tap here: Zevachim 58
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We have already learned that kodashei kodashim – the holiest of sacrifices – must be slaughtered and prepared in the northern part of the Temple courtyard, while kodashim kalim – sacrifices that are on a lower level of holiness – can be slaughtered and prepared anywhere in the Temple courtyard.
In the Mishna on our daf, Rabbi Yosei teaches that if kodashei kodashim were slaughtered on the altar itself, that would be permissible, while Rabbi Yosei b’Rabbi Yehuda rules that only the northern half of the altar would be acceptable; the southern part is not considered “north” and only kodashim kalim could be slaughtered there.
We explore the exposition of Exodus 21:23 by the Netziv as well as the inner psychological dimensions of the altar from a chassidic perspective.