Why the Ox Sheep and Goat Recall Abraham Isaac and Jacob

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Emor 16:1

[Another interpretation of (Leviticus 22:27): "An ox or a sheep [or a goat]."] The ox is by the merit of Abraham, as it is said (Genesis 18:7): "And Abraham ran to the herd." The sheep is by the merit of Isaac, as it is said (Genesis 22:13): "And behold, a ram." The goat is by the merit of Jacob, as it is said (Genesis 27:9): "Go now to the flock, and fetch me from there two good kids of the goats." What is the meaning of "good"? Rabbi Berekhyah said in the name of Rabbi Helbo: They are good for you and good for your children. Good for you, because through them you are blessed; and good for your children, because through them atonement is made for them.

Themes

Biblical References