To redeem dedicated animals which have become disqualified
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This Mitzvah's Summary
We are commanded to redeem animals dedicated to the altar if they have become disqualified.
This mitzvah requires that animals consecrated for korbanot but later rendered unfit due to blemishes be redeemed rather than wasted. Once redeemed, the animal is no longer holy and may be slaughtered and eaten as non-sacred meat, while its monetary value is transferred to the Temple treasury for sacred use.
Rambam teaches that this mitzvah preserves the sanctity of offerings while ensuring practical benefit: holiness is not discarded, but transferred. Sefer HaChinuch explains that this law honors Hashem by preventing desecration of the sacred, while also allowing the animal’s use for ordinary needs.
The Talmud clarifies procedures for redemption, including valuations and the requirement that funds be devoted to Temple service. Ramban expands that this mitzvah reinforces the principle that holiness is not erased but redirected, demonstrating respect for Hashem’s gifts.
Commentary & Classical Explanation:
- Rambam (Hilchot Issurei Mizbeach 2:2–3): Establishes the obligation to redeem blemished offerings and transfer their sanctity to money for the Temple.
- Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 293): Explains that redemption honors the sanctity of Hashem’s service while ensuring animals are not discarded needlessly.
- Talmud (Bekhorot 32b; Temurah 32a): Discusses redemption rules and procedures for evaluating animals.
- Rashi (Deut. 12:15): Notes that animals once disqualified may be eaten like ordinary meat after redemption.
- Ramban: Emphasizes that this mitzvah reflects reverence for Hashem’s property — holiness can be transferred, but never neglected.
Commentaries
Applying this Mitzvah Today
Notes on this Mitzvah's Fundamentals
Holiness – קְדֻשָּׁה
- Rambam teaches that redemption safeguards holiness by transferring it rather than discarding it. Holiness is thus preserved in new form, reflecting Hashem’s enduring sanctity.
Temple – בֵּית הַמִּקְדָּשׁ
- Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 293) stresses that redemption directs the animal’s value to the Temple treasury, ensuring its service continues to support the Mikdash.
Mizbeach – מִזְבֵּחַ
- Rashi (Deut. 12:15) highlights that animals no longer fit for the Mizbeach may not ascend it, but their sanctity is honored through redemption, preserving the altar’s dignity.
Sacrifices – קָרְבָּנוֹת
- Talmud (Bekhorot 32b) clarifies the halachot of valuation and redemption, teaching that even disqualified animals maintain a sacrificial connection through transferred sanctity.
Reverence – יִרְאַת שָׁמַיִם
- Ramban notes that reverence requires we never waste Hashem’s gifts. Redeeming animals teaches that sanctity must always be respected, never neglected.
Justice – צֶדֶק
- Redemption laws apply equally to all, ensuring fairness in maintaining holiness and preventing waste. Justice ensures both Hashem’s honor and human benefit are upheld.
Bein Adam L’Makom – בֵּין אָדָם לְמָקוֹם
- This mitzvah reflects man’s covenant with Hashem: holiness must be preserved through action. Redeeming animals transforms devotion into ongoing service to the Divine.
