Not to redeem the cherem

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.