Not to sell the cherem

Faith – אֱמוּנָה

• Rambam (Hilchot Arachin V’Charamim 6:2) explains that once property is consecrated as cherem, it leaves human ownership entirely. Faith is expressed by accepting that the devoted object belongs solely to Hashem and cannot be reclaimed.

Holiness – קְדֻשָּׁה

• Rashi (Leviticus 27:28) comments that “it shall not be sold” teaches that cherem attains the highest level of sanctity. Its holiness is permanent and untouchable, beyond ordinary human transactions.

Justice – צֶדֶק

• Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 380) notes that prohibiting the sale of cherem preserves fairness and integrity. It prevents a person from profiting after devoting something to Hashem and ensures that sanctity is honored consistently.

Speech – דָּבָר

• The sanctity of cherem begins with a spoken declaration. By forbidding its sale, the Torah upholds the binding power of speech — words of devotion must stand permanently.

Vows / Oaths – נְדָרִים / שְׁבוּעוֹת

• Talmud (Arachin 28a) teaches that this mitzvah reinforces the seriousness of vows. Once a person declares cherem, the vow cannot be undone through commerce, highlighting the unbreakable nature of sacred pledges.

Community – קְהִלָּה

• Sefer HaChinuch emphasizes that devoted property often entered the Temple treasury or supported kohanim. By removing cherem from the marketplace, the mitzvah ensures such offerings serve communal holiness, not private dealings.

Priests – כֹּהֲנִים

• Rambam and Talmud sources note that certain types of cherem are given to kohanim. The prohibition on selling ensures that what belongs to the priestly class for sacred service is never diverted for profit.

Bein Adam L’Makom – בֵּין אָדָם לְמָקוֹם

• Ultimately, the mitzvah reflects complete devotion to Hashem. By forbidding any sale, the Torah teaches that cherem is an offering beyond human control, strengthening reverence for the Divine.