English: It was taught: “And the sons of Aharon the kohen shall put fire on the altar” — this teaches concerning the kindling of the thin sticks (alitah) that it may be done only by a valid kohen and with a service vessel.
In the sugya: Even the fine kindling-wood is full avodah. A zar may not light it; a non-service vessel may not be used. The verse’s assignment to Bnei Aharon the kohen governs the starter fire as well as the main arrangement.
Type of Learning
Restriction on who may kindle the starter fire — fit kohen and kli sharet only.
What Is Learned
Even the lighting of the fine kindling-wood for the ma’arachah is avodah for a fit kohen with kli sharet, not for a zar. The “small” fire is not outside the kehunah framework.