Mitzvah —
231
Carry out the laws of interdicting possessions (cherem)
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אַךְ־כׇּל־חֵ֡רֶם אֲשֶׁ֣ר יַחֲרִם֩ אִ֨ישׁ לַֽה׳ מִכׇּל־אֲשֶׁר־ל֗וֹ מֵאָדָ֤ם וּבְהֵמָה֙ וּמִשְּׂדֵ֣ה אֲחֻזָּת֔וֹ לֹ֥א יִמָּכֵ֖ר וְלֹ֣א יִגָּאֵ֑ל כׇּל־חֵ֕רֶם קֹֽדֶשׁ־קׇדָשִׁ֥ים ה֖וּא לַה׳׃ - פָּרָשַׁת בְּחֻקּתַי
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Leviticus 27:28 - "However, anything that a man devotes to the L-rd from any of his property whether a person, an animal, or part of his inherited field shall not be sold, nor shall it be redeemed, [for] all devoted things are holy of holies to the L-rd."
This Mitzvah's Summary
מִצְוָה עֲשֵׂה - Positive Commandment
מִצְוָה לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה - Negative Commandment
Justice / Courts – דִּינִים
The mitzvah commands us to uphold the laws of cherem — possessions or property devoted to Hashem become irrevocably sacred and must be treated accordingly.
This mitzvah refers to the unique category of cherem (ban/devotion). Unlike standard consecrations (hekdesh), a cherem is absolute and final: the property becomes “holy of holies” and may not be redeemed. It belongs to Hashem entirely and passes into the possession of the kohanim or the Temple treasury depending on context.
The mitzvah teaches reverence for vows and property consecrations, ensuring that once something is devoted to Hashem as cherem, it cannot be treated as ordinary again.
Commentary & Classical Explanation:
- Rambam (Hilchot Arachin V’Charamim 6:1): Explains that cherem is distinct from regular hekdesh; it is total and irrevocable.
- Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 379): The root of the mitzvah is to strengthen awareness of Hashem’s sovereignty, showing that a person may devote even his possessions completely to G-d.
- Talmud (Arachin 28a): Clarifies the legal procedures of cherem and who receives the devoted property.
- Rashi (Leviticus 27:28): Notes that cherem cannot be redeemed — once devoted, it is final.
Commentaries
(Source: Chabad.org)
Applying this Mitzvah Today
Notes on this Mitzvah's Fundamentals
Faith – אֱמוּנָה
- Rambam (Hilchot Arachin V’Charamim 6:1) explains that cherem reflects complete devotion to Hashem, trusting that what is consecrated no longer belongs to us. Faith is expressed in surrendering property entirely to Divine ownership.
Holiness – קְדֻשָּׁה
- Rashi (Leviticus 27:28) comments that a cherem becomes “holy of holies,” meaning it cannot be redeemed. Holiness here represents the highest level of consecration, elevating possessions beyond human use.
Speech – דָּבָר
- Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 379) notes that a simple declaration of cherem by speech transforms property into irrevocable sanctity. This highlights the Torah’s view of words as powerful, binding acts.
Vows / Oaths – נְדָרִים / שְׁבוּעוֹת
- Talmud (Arachin 28a) stresses that once a cherem is declared, the vow is absolute. This category demonstrates the gravity of verbal pledges — vows to Hashem cannot be taken lightly or reversed.
Justice – צֶדֶק
- Rambam underscores that the laws of cherem prevent manipulation or unfair treatment of consecrated property. Justice is upheld by ensuring the property goes where Torah designates — to the kohanim or the Temple treasury.
Community – קְהִלָּה
- Sefer HaChinuch explains that devoted items often served communal religious life by entering the Temple treasury. Private offerings thus strengthened the nation’s collective worship and holiness.
Priests – כֹּהֲנִים
- Talmud (Arachin 28b) rules that certain types of cherem property go to the kohanim. This mitzvah therefore reinforced the priestly role in managing sacred resources.
Bein Adam L’Makom – בֵּין אָדָם לְמָקוֹם
- Ultimately, cherem reflects direct devotion to Hashem. By declaring property forbidden for ordinary use, a person acknowledges Divine sovereignty and relinquishes control in a profound act of worship.
