Mitzvah —
233
Not to redeem the 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
It is forbidden to redeem property consecrated as cherem (devoted to Hashem).
This mitzvah prohibits the redemption of cherem property — unlike regular hekdesh (consecration), which may often be redeemed by paying its value plus an additional amount, cherem is absolute. Once devoted, it cannot be returned to personal use under any circumstances.
The prohibition strengthens the concept of cherem as an ultimate act of sanctification, in which possessions are placed completely in Hashem’s domain. It underscores that certain devotions are final and eternal, beyond human authority to reverse.
Commentary & Classical Explanation:
- Rambam (Hilchot Arachin V’Charamim 6:3): States that cherem may never be redeemed; it is permanently sanctified.
- Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 381): Explains that the root is to preserve awe for Hashem’s name and decrees. Allowing redemption would diminish the seriousness of irrevocable devotion.
- Talmud (Arachin 28b): Clarifies that cherem differs from regular hekdesh precisely because it cannot be redeemed.
- Rashi (Leviticus 27:28): Emphasizes that “it shall not be redeemed” highlights its permanence as kodesh kodashim.
Commentaries
(Source: Chabad.org)
Applying this Mitzvah Today
Notes on this Mitzvah's Fundamentals
Faith – אֱמוּנָה
- Rambam (Hilchot Arachin V’Charamim 6:3) rules that once something is devoted as cherem, it cannot be redeemed. Faith is expressed by accepting that such devotion is absolute, placing complete trust in Hashem’s sovereignty.
Holiness – קְדֻשָּׁה
- Rashi (Leviticus 27:28) comments that cherem is “kodesh kodashim” (most holy), never returning to profane use. Holiness here means eternal consecration — possessions lifted permanently into Divine service.
Justice – צֶדֶק
- Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 381) explains that prohibiting redemption prevents people from diminishing their vow after the fact. Justice is preserved by ensuring that once something is dedicated to Hashem, it cannot be manipulated for personal convenience.
Speech – דָּבָר
- Talmud (Arachin 28b) highlights that a spoken declaration of cherem carries irreversible weight. The prohibition on redemption reinforces the Torah’s view that speech creates binding sanctity that cannot be undone.
Vows / Oaths – נְדָרִים / שְׁבוּעוֹת
- Rambam notes that cherem is part of the broader category of vows, but with a unique strictness. By prohibiting redemption, the Torah emphasizes the seriousness of vows directed to Hashem, elevating them above ordinary promises.
Community – קְהִלָּה
- Sefer HaChinuch observes that cherem property often entered the Temple treasury, strengthening communal service. By forbidding redemption, the mitzvah ensures these offerings remain communal and holy rather than reverting to private use.
Priests – כֹּהֲנִים
- Talmud (Arachin 28b) states that certain cherem gifts are given directly to kohanim. The prohibition on redemption safeguards their rightful role as custodians of consecrated property.
Bein Adam L’Makom – בֵּין אָדָם לְמָקוֹם
- Ultimately, the mitzvah reflects absolute devotion to Hashem. By removing any possibility of redemption, the Torah teaches that some acts of dedication are beyond human reversal, reserved entirely for Divine service.
