Search

Zevachim 12

Want to dedicate learning? Get started here:

podcast placeholder

0:00
0:00




podcast placeholder

0:00
0:00




Summary

Seder Kodashim Kit – Order Form

Ben Beteira maintains that a Pesach sacrifice slaughtered with the intent of a different offering on the morning of the fourteenth is also disqualified. Rabbi Elazar, citing Rabbi Oshaya, explains that Ben Beteira considers the morning a valid time for offering the Pesach sacrifice. Although the verse uses the phrase “bein ha’arbayim,” typically understood as “afternoon,” Rabbi Oshaya interprets it as “between two evenings,” encompassing the entire day.

Several challenges are raised against this interpretation, referencing the timing of the daily afternoon Tamid offering, the incense, and the lighting of the menorah. In each case, it is argued that a separate verse specifies that these rituals must occur specifically in the afternoon. After further scrutiny, Rabbi Oshaya’s interpretation is ultimately rejected.

Rabbi Yochanan offers an alternative understanding of Ben Beteira’s position: while the Pesach sacrifice cannot be slaughtered in the morning, that time is still considered “its time” for the purpose of disqualifying a sacrifice offered with the intent of a different offering. Since part of the day is designated for the Pesach, the entire day carries implications for intent.

Rabbi Abahu challenges this view, arguing that if an animal is designated in the morning or earlier, it becomes disqualified at that time, as it cannot be offered either as a Pesach or a peace offering. This prior disqualification would prevent the animal from being offered later in the afternoon, as it had already been rejected for a period of time. Rabbi Abahu, Abaye, and Rav Papa each propose possible resolutions to this difficulty.

Rabbi Zeira engages with Rabbi Abahu’s question, asking whether Rabbi Yochanan holds that live animals can be rejected from sacrifice—not only at the moment of slaughter. Rabbi Abahu affirms this and supports it with a ruling from Rabbi Yochanan, from which three principles regarding the rejection of offerings are derived, including that live animals can indeed be rejected from the altar.

The Gemara continues with additional statements from Rabbi Yochanan about sacrifices that become permanently disqualified, such as when a person renounces the religion or becomes a shoteh (mentally incapacitated).

Ben Azai holds that even a burnt offering brought with improper intent is disqualified. Rav Huna attempts to source this opinion from the Torah verse “olah hu” (“it is a burnt offering”). When this is rejected, the reasoning shifts to a kal va’chomer (a fortiori) argument: since a burnt offering is more stringent than a sin offering—being entirely consumed—it should be subject to stricter rules. However, this reasoning is also challenged, as both the Pesach and sin offerings have unique stringencies not applicable to burnt offerings.

Today’s daily daf tools:

Zevachim 12

דְּאִיתַּקַּשׁ לְנֵרוֹת.

as it is juxtaposed with the lighting of the lamps (see Exodus 30:8). Evidently, it is burned in the afternoon as well.

הָתָם נָמֵי, כְּתִיב: ״שָׁם תִּזְבַּח אֶת הַפֶּסַח בָּעָרֶב״!

The Gemara asks: Just as it is written explicitly that the Candelabrum must be lit in the evening, there too, with regard to a Paschal offering, it is written: “There you shall sacrifice the Passover offering at evening” (Deuteronomy 16:6). How can ben Beteira claim that it may be sacrificed all day long?

הָהוּא לִ״יאוּחַר דָּבָר״ הוּא דַּאֲתָא, דְּתַנְיָא: יְאוּחַר דָּבָר שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר בּוֹ ״בָּעָרֶב״ וּ״בֵין הָעַרְבָּיִם״, לְדָבָר שֶׁלֹּא נֶאֱמַר בּוֹ אֶלָּא ״בֵּין הָעַרְבָּיִם״ בִּלְבַד.

The Gemara answers: That verse comes to teach a different halakha, that a certain item should be sacrificed after another item. As it is taught in a baraita with regard to the order of precedence between the Paschal offering and the daily afternoon offering: An item, i.e., the Paschal offering, with regard to which both the expressions: “In the evening,” and: “Bein ha’arbayim,” are stated, should be sacrificed after an item, the daily afternoon offering, with regard to which only “bein ha’arbayim” is stated.

וּמִי אִיכָּא מִידֵּי דְּאִילּוּ שָׁחֵיט לֵיהּ מִצַּפְרָא – אָמְרַתְּ זִימְנֵיהּ הוּא, וְכִי מָטֵי בֵּין הָעַרְבַּיִם – אָמְרַתְּ ״יְאוּחַר דָּבָר״?

The Gemara asks: But is there anything comparable to ben Beteira’s suggestion, that if one slaughters it in the morning, you say that it is its designated time and it is fit; but when afternoon comes, you say that the item should be sacrificed only after the daily afternoon offering?

אִין; דְּהָאָמַר רַבִּי יוֹחָנָן: הֲלָכָה – מִתְפַּלֵּל שֶׁל מִנְחָה, וְאַחַר כָּךְ מִתְפַּלֵּל שֶׁל מוּסָפִין.

The Gemara answers: Yes, there is a precedent; as Rabbi Yoḥanan says: If one did not recite the additional prayers of Shabbat, the New Moon, or a Festival, which should be recited in the morning, until it is time for the afternoon prayer, the halakha is that he should first recite the afternoon prayer, and recite the additional prayers thereafter.

וּ״בֵין הָעַרְבַּיִם״ דִּכְתִיב גַּבֵּי קְטֹרֶת וְנֵרוֹת, לְמָה לִי?

The Gemara asks: But if the term bein ha’arbayim is referring to the entire day, as ben Beteira maintains, why do I need those instances of the expression that are written with regard to burning incense and lighting the lamps, which are not performed all day?

וְעוֹד הֵשִׁיב רַבִּי – תַּחַת בֶּן בְּתִירָא – לְדִבְרֵי רַבִּי יְהוֹשֻׁעַ: לֹא; אִם אָמַרְתָּ בִּשְׁלֹשָׁה עָשָׂר – שֶׁאֵין מִקְצָתוֹ רָאוּי, תֹּאמַר בְּאַרְבָּעָה עָשָׂר – שֶׁמִּקְצָתוֹ רָאוּי?!

Furthermore, this interpretation of the opinion of ben Beteira is difficult, as Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi responded on behalf of ben Beteira to the statement of Rabbi Yehoshua that a Paschal offering slaughtered not for its sake on the morning of the fourteenth of Nisan is fit, as though it were slaughtered on the thirteenth: No, if you said that this is the halakha with regard to the thirteenth, as no part of the day is fit for sacrificing the Paschal offering, shall you also say that this is the halakha with regard to the fourteenth, part of which is fit for sacrificing the Paschal offering? Since it can be sacrificed in the afternoon of the fourteenth, if it is slaughtered in the morning not for its sake, it is disqualified.

וְאִם אִיתָא, כּוּלּוֹ רָאוּי הוּא!

The Gemara concludes: And if it is so that a Paschal offering can be sacrificed throughout the day of the fourteenth, all of it is fit, not only part of it.

אֶלָּא אָמַר רַבִּי יוֹחָנָן: פּוֹסֵל הָיָה בֶּן בְּתִירָא בְּפֶסַח שֶׁשְּׁחָטוֹ בְּאַרְבָּעָה עָשָׂר שַׁחֲרִית, בֵּין לִשְׁמוֹ בֵּין שֶׁלֹּא לִשְׁמוֹ, הוֹאִיל וּמִקְצָתוֹ רָאוּי.

Rather, Rabbi Oshaya’s interpretation of ben Beteira’s opinion is rejected. Instead, Rabbi Yoḥanan says: With regard to a Paschal offering that one slaughtered on the fourteenth in the morning, ben Beteira would deem it unfit, whether it was slaughtered for its sake or not for its sake. It is unfit even if it was slaughtered not for its sake, since part of the day is fit for its sacrifice as a Paschal offering.

מְגַדֵּף בַּהּ רַבִּי אֲבָהוּ: אִם כֵּן, פֶּסַח כָּשֵׁר לְבֶן בְּתִירָא – הֵיכִי מַשְׁכַּחַתְּ לַהּ? אִי דְּאַפְרְשֵׁיהּ הָאִידָּנָא – דָּחוּי מֵעִיקָּרוֹ הוּא, וְאִי דְּאַפְרְשִׁינְהוּ מֵאֶתְמוֹל – נִרְאֶה וְנִדְחֶה הוּא!

Rabbi Abbahu ridiculed [megaddef ] this interpretation: If so, how can you find a fit Paschal offering according to ben Beteira? If its owner designated an animal now, on the morning of the fourteenth, as a Paschal offering, it is disqualified from the outset, as it cannot be sacrificed at all, either for its sake or not for its sake. And even if its owner designated it the previous day, when it was fit to be sacrificed not for its sake, it was fit and then disqualified the next morning, when it was no longer fit to be sacrificed until the afternoon. Once an offering is disqualified, it can no longer become fit.

אֶלָּא אָמַר רַבִּי אֲבָהוּ: תְּהֵא לְאַחַר חֲצוֹת.

Rather, Rabbi Abbahu says: Let the Paschal offering be fit when it is designated on the fourteenth after noon, when it may already be sacrificed as a Paschal offering.

אַבָּיֵי אָמַר: אֲפִילּוּ תֵּימָא מִצַּפְרָא – אֵין מְחוּסַּר זְמַן לְבוֹ בַּיּוֹם.

Abaye says: You may even say that it is fit if designated in the morning, as an offering is not disqualified due to the fact that it is an offering whose time has not yet arrived if its time will arrive on that same day.

רַב פָּפָּא אָמַר: אֲפִילּוּ תֵּימָא מֵאוּרְתָּא – לַיְלָה אֵין מְחוּסָּר זְמַן; דְּתָנֵי דְּבֵי רַבִּי יִשְׁמָעֵאל: לֵיל שְׁמִינִי נִכְנָס לַדִּיר לְהִתְעַשֵּׂר.

Rav Pappa says: You may even say that it is fit if designated from the previous night, as an offering that was designated at night and may be sacrificed the following day is not considered an offering whose time has not yet arrived, as it is taught in the school of Rabbi Yishmael: Although an animal is unfit for sacrifice until its eighth day, on the night before its eighth day it may already enter the den to be tithed.

וְכִדְרַבִּי אַפְטוֹרִיקִי, דְּרַבִּי אַפְטוֹרִיקִי רָמֵי: כְּתִיב ״וְהָיָה שִׁבְעַת יָמִים תַּחַת אִמּוֹ״ – הָא לַיְלָה חֲזֵי; וּכְתִיב ״וּמִיּוֹם הַשְּׁמִינִי וָהָלְאָה יֵרָצֶה״ – הָא לַיְלָה לָא חֲזֵי!

And this is in accordance with the statement of Rabbi Appetoriki, as Rabbi Appetoriki raises a contradiction: It is written: “When a bull or a sheep or a goat is born, then it shall be seven days with its mother” (Leviticus 22:27); consequently, on the following night, i.e., the night before the eighth day, it is fit for sacrifice. And it is written subsequently in that verse: “But from the eighth day and on it may be accepted for an offering made by fire unto the Lord”; consequently, on the previous night, i.e., the night before the eighth day, it is not yet fit.

הָא כֵּיצַד? לַיְלָה לִקְדוּשָּׁה, וְיוֹם לְהַרְצָאָה.

How can these texts be reconciled? At night it is fit for consecration, and the following day it is fit for effecting acceptance, i.e., for sacrifice. Apparently, an offering that may be sacrificed the following day can be consecrated the previous night, even though it may not be sacrificed at night, and it is not considered an offering whose time has not yet arrived.

אֲמַר לֵיהּ רַבִּי זֵירָא לְרַבִּי אֲבָהוּ: לֵימָא קָסָבַר רַבִּי יוֹחָנָן בַּעֲלֵי חַיִּים נִדְחִין?!

§ Rabbi Abbahu presumes that an animal consecrated before it may be sacrificed is disqualified. With regard to this, Rabbi Zeira said to Rabbi Abbahu: Shall we say that Rabbi Yoḥanan holds that consecrated animals that cannot be sacrificed at any given moment are disqualified from ever being sacrificed?

אֲמַר לֵיהּ: אִין; דְּאָמַר רַבִּי יוֹחָנָן: בְּהֵמָה שֶׁל שְׁנֵי שׁוּתָּפִין – הִקְדִּישׁ חֶצְיָהּ, וְחָזַר וְלָקַח חֶצְיָהּ וְהִקְדִּישָׁהּ – קְדוֹשָׁה, וְאֵינָהּ קְרֵיבָה.

Rabbi Abbahu said to him: Yes, as Rabbi Yoḥanan says: With regard to an animal belonging to two partners, if one of them consecrated the half of it that belongs to him, and then purchased the other half of it from his partner and consecrated it, it is consecrated, despite the fact that it was consecrated piecemeal. But it may not be sacrificed, since when he first consecrated it, the consecration did not extend to his partner’s half. Since the animal was not fit to be sacrificed then, it is disqualified permanently.

וְעוֹשֶׂה תְּמוּרָה, וּתְמוּרָתָהּ כְּיוֹצֵא בָּהּ.

But as it is consecrated now, it can render consecrated as a substitute a non-sacred animal that is exchanged for it. If the owner substitutes a non-sacred animal for this one, the second animal becomes consecrated as well. And yet its substitute is like it; it too is consecrated but cannot be sacrificed.

וּשְׁמַע מִינַּהּ תְּלָת: שְׁמַע מִינַּהּ בַּעֲלֵי חַיִּים נִדְחִין, וּשְׁמַע מִינַּהּ דָּחוּי מֵעִיקָּרָא הָוֵה דָּחוּי, וּשְׁמַע מִינַּהּ

And one can conclude three points from this statement: Conclude from it that animals that cannot be sacrificed are permanently disqualified; and conclude from it that disqualification from the outset, i.e., from the time the offering is consecrated, is permanent disqualification; and conclude from it that

יֵשׁ דִּחוּי בְּדָמִים.

there is permanent disqualification even in a case where the animal possesses sanctity that inheres in its monetary value, rather than inherent sanctity.

אָמַר עוּלָּא אָמַר רַבִּי יוֹחָנָן: אָכַל חֵלֶב וְהִפְרִישׁ קׇרְבָּן, וְנִשְׁתַּמֵּד, וְחָזַר בּוֹ – הוֹאִיל וְנִדְחָה, יִדָּחֶה.

§ Ulla says that Rabbi Yoḥanan says: If one ate forbidden fat and designated an offering to atone for the transgression, and then apostatized, thereby disqualifying himself from bringing an offering, and later recanted his apostasy, since the offering was already disqualified, it shall be disqualified permanently.

אִיתְּמַר נָמֵי, אָמַר רַבִּי יִרְמְיָה אָמַר רַבִּי אֲבָהוּ אָמַר רַבִּי יוֹחָנָן: אָכַל חֵלֶב וְהִפְרִישׁ קׇרְבָּן, וְנִשְׁתַּטָּה, וְחָזַר וְנִשְׁתַּפָּה – הוֹאִיל וְנִדְחָה, יִדָּחֶה.

It was also stated that Rabbi Yirmeya says that Rabbi Abbahu says that Rabbi Yoḥanan says: If one ate forbidden fat and designated an offering to atone for his transgression, and then became an imbecile, who is unfit to bring an offering, and then again became halakhically competent, since the offering was already disqualified, it shall be disqualified permanently.

וּצְרִיכִי; דְּאִי אַשְׁמְעִינַן קַמַּיְיתָא – מִשּׁוּם דְּהוּא דָּחֵי נַפְשֵׁיהּ בְּיָדַיִם; אֲבָל הָכָא דְּמִמֵּילָא אִידְּחִי – כְּיָשֵׁן דָּמֵי.

The Gemara notes: And both statements are necessary. As, if Rabbi Yoḥanan had taught us only the first statement, concerning an apostate, one might have reasoned that the offering is permanently disqualified because he disqualified himself by his own action, but here, in the case of one who became an imbecile, where he was disqualified through a process that occurs by itself, when he becomes competent again he may bring his sacrifice, as it is considered as though he were asleep. If one designated an offering and fell asleep, this certainly does not disqualify it.

וְאִי אַשְׁמְעִינַן הָכָא – מִשּׁוּם דְּאֵין בְּיָדוֹ לַחֲזוֹר; אֲבָל הָכָא דְּיֵשׁ בְּיָדוֹ לַחֲזוֹר – אֵימָא לָא; צְרִיכָא.

And if Rabbi Yoḥanan had taught us only the statement here, with regard to one who became an imbecile, one might have reasoned that the offering is permanently disqualified because it is not in his power to return to competence, but here, in the case of an apostate, since it is in his power to recant his apostasy, I would say that the offering is not permanently disqualified. Therefore, both statements are necessary.

בָּעֵי רַבִּי יִרְמְיָה: אָכַל חֵלֶב וְהִפְרִישׁ קׇרְבָּן, וְהוֹרוּ בֵּית דִּין שֶׁחֵלֶב מוּתָּר, וְחָזְרוּ בָּהֶן, מַהוּ? מִי הָוֵי דָּחוּי, אוֹ לָא הָוֵי דָּחוּי?

Rabbi Yirmeya raises a dilemma: If one ate forbidden fat and designated an offering for the transgression, and then the court ruled that the type of fat he ate is permitted, thereby rendering the offering unnecessary, and the court subsequently retracted its ruling, in this case, what is the halakha? Is the offering permanently disqualified, or is it not permanently disqualified?

אֲמַר לֵיהּ הָהוּא סָבָא: כִּי פָּתַח רַבִּי יוֹחָנָן בִּדְחוּיִין – מֵהָא פָּתַח. מַאי טַעְמָא? הָתָם – גַּבְרָא אִידְּחִי, קׇרְבָּן לָא אִידְּחִי; הָכָא – קׇרְבָּן נָמֵי אִידְּחִי.

A certain elder [hahu sava] said to Rabbi Yirmeya: When Rabbi Yoḥanan introduced the topic of permanently disqualified offerings, he introduced it with this case. What is the reason? There, in the case of one who apostatized or became an imbecile, although the person was disqualified, the offering itself was not disqualified. Consequently, it is less evident that the offering will be disqualified permanently. But here, in a case where the court ruled that the fat is permitted, the offering itself was also disqualified, as it was rendered unnecessary. Therefore, this is a more obvious example.

אָמַר שִׁמְעוֹן בֶּן עַזַּאי: מְקוּבְּלַנִי מִפִּי שִׁבְעִים וּשְׁנַיִם זָקֵן כּוּ׳. לְמָה לִי לְמִתְנָא ״שִׁבְעִים וּשְׁנַיִם זָקֵן״? דְּכוּלְּהוּ בַּחֲדָא שִׁיטְתָא הֲווֹ קָיְימִי.

§ The mishna teaches: Shimon ben Azzai said: I received a tradition from seventy-two elders [zaken] that all slaughtered offerings that are eaten, if slaughtered not for their sake, are fit. The Gemara asks: Why do I need to teach the phrase seventy-two elders using the singular form: Zaken, rather than the plural form: Zekenim? The Gemara answers: Because they all maintained one opinion, i.e., they all agreed with this halakha.

לֹא הוֹסִיף בֶּן עַזַּאי אֶלָּא הָעוֹלָה.

The mishna continues: Ben Azzai added only the burnt offering to the sin offering and the Paschal offering, which are mentioned in the first mishna as disqualified when sacrificed not for their sake.

אָמַר רַב הוּנָא: מַאי טַעְמָא דְּבֶן עַזַּאי? ״עוֹלָה הוּא אִשֵּׁה רֵיחַ נִיחֹחַ לַה׳״ – הִיא לִשְׁמָהּ כְּשֵׁרָה, שֶׁלֹּא לִשְׁמָהּ פְּסוּלָה.

Rav Huna said: What is the reason for the opinion of ben Azzai? The verse states: “It is a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, of a pleasing aroma unto the Lord” (Leviticus 1:13). The word “it” teaches that if it is sacrificed for its sake, it is fit; if sacrificed not for its sake, it is unfit.

אָשָׁם נָמֵי כְּתִיב בֵּיהּ ״הוּא״!

The Gemara asks: Isn’t the word “it” written with regard to a guilt offering as well, in the verse: “It is a guilt offering” (Leviticus 7:5)? Nevertheless, a guilt offering sacrificed not for its sake is not disqualified.

הָהוּא לְאַחַר הַקְטָרַת אֵימוּרִים הוּא דִּכְתִיב.

The Gemara answers: That verse is written after the burning of the sacrificial portions on the altar. Since the offering is fit even if these portions are not burned at all, it is certainly fit if they are burned not for the sake of a guilt offering.

הַאי נָמֵי לְאַחַר הַקְטָרַת אֵימוּרִים הוּא דִּכְתִיב!

The Gemara asks: Isn’t this mention of the word “it” with regard to a burnt offering also written after the burning of the sacrificial portions on the altar?

תְּרֵי ״הוּא״ כְּתִיבִי.

The Gemara answers: The word “it” is written with regard to a burnt offering in two places, both in Leviticus 1:13 and in Exodus 29:18. Although both are written after the burning of the portions consumed on the altar, one of them is superfluous, and is therefore interpreted in reference to the main sacrificial rites, performed before the burning of the portions. The verse therefore teaches that the offering is fit only if these rites are performed for its sake.

גַּבֵּי אָשָׁם נָמֵי תְּרֵי ״הוּא״ כְּתִיבִי!

The Gemara asks: With regard to a guilt offering as well, isn’t the word “it” written in two places, Leviticus 5:9 and Leviticus 7:5?

אֶלָּא בֶּן עַזַּאי בְּקַל וָחוֹמֶר מַיְיתֵי לַהּ: וּמָה חַטָּאת שֶׁאֵינָהּ כָּלִיל, שְׁחָטָהּ שֶׁלֹּא לִשְׁמָהּ – פְּסוּלָה, עוֹלָה שֶׁהִיא כָּלִיל – לֹא כׇּל שֶׁכֵּן?!

Rather, ben Azzai derives his halakha not from a verse, but by an a fortiori inference: Just as with regard to a sin offering, which is not totally consumed on the altar but partially eaten by priests, if one slaughtered it not for its sake it is disqualified, so too, with regard to a burnt offering, which is treated more strictly in that it is totally consumed on the altar, all the more so is it not clear that if it is slaughtered not for its sake it is disqualified?

מָה לְחַטָּאת, שֶׁכֵּן מְכַפֶּרֶת!

The Gemara rejects this inference: What is notable about a sin offering? It is notable in that it atones for sin, in contrast to a burnt offering, which is not brought for atonement. Therefore, only a sin offering is disqualified when sacrificed not for its sake.

פֶּסַח יוֹכִיחַ.

The Gemara suggests: A Paschal offering can prove the point, as it is not brought for atonement, yet it is disqualified if sacrificed not for its sake.

מָה לְפֶסַח, שֶׁכֵּן זְמַנּוֹ קָבוּעַ!

The Gemara rejects this as well: What is notable about a Paschal offering? It is notable in that its time is set at Passover eve, in contrast to a burnt offering, which does not have a designated time.

חַטָּאת תּוֹכִיחַ. וְחָזַר הַדִּין; לֹא רְאִי זֶה כִּרְאִי זֶה, וְלֹא רְאִי זֶה כִּרְאִי זֶה; הַצַּד הַשָּׁוֶה שֶׁבָּהֶן – שֶׁהֵן קֳדָשִׁים, וּשְׁחָטָן שֶׁלֹּא לִשְׁמָן פָּסוּל; אַף אֲנִי אָבִיא עוֹלָה – שֶׁהִיא קָדָשִׁים, וּשְׁחָטָהּ שֶׁלֹּא לִשְׁמָהּ פְּסוּלָה.

The Gemara suggests: If so, a sin offering can prove the point, since it has no set time. And the inference has reverted to its starting point. The halakha is derived from the common element of the two sources: The aspect of this case is not like the aspect of that case and the aspect of that case is not like the aspect of this case. Their common element is that they are offerings, and if one slaughtered them not for their sake, they are disqualified. So too, I shall include a burnt offering in this halakha, as it is an offering, and therefore if one slaughtered it not for its sake, it is disqualified.

מָה לְהַצַּד הַשָּׁוֶה שֶׁבָּהֶן, שֶׁיֵּשׁ בָּהֶן צַד כָּרֵת!

The Gemara rejects this as well: What is notable about their common element? It is notable in that they both have an element of karet. A sin offering is brought for a transgression punishable by karet when committed intentionally, and one who refrains intentionally from bringing a Paschal offering is liable to be punished with karet. A burnt offering does not have an element of karet.

בֶּן עַזַּאי,

The Gemara answers: Ben Azzai

Today’s daily daf tools:

Delve Deeper

Broaden your understanding of the topics on this daf with classes and podcasts from top women Talmud scholars.

For the Beyond the Daf shiurim offered in Hebrew, see here.

New to Talmud?

Check out our resources designed to help you navigate a page of Talmud – and study at the pace, level and style that fits you. 

The Hadran Women’s Tapestry

Meet the diverse women learning Gemara at Hadran and hear their stories. 

I started learning at the start of this cycle, and quickly fell in love. It has become such an important part of my day, enriching every part of my life.

Naomi Niederhoffer
Naomi Niederhoffer

Toronto, Canada

I was moved to tears by the Hadran Siyyum HaShas. I have learned Torah all my life, but never connected to learning Gemara on a regular basis until then. Seeing the sheer joy Talmud Torah at the siyyum, I felt compelled to be part of it, and I haven’t missed a day!
It’s not always easy, but it is so worthwhile, and it has strengthened my love of learning. It is part of my life now.

Michelle Lewis
Michelle Lewis

Beit Shemesh, Israel

I started at the beginning of this cycle. No 1 reason, but here’s 5.
In 2019 I read about the upcoming siyum hashas.
There was a sermon at shul about how anyone can learn Talmud.
Talmud references come up when I am studying. I wanted to know more.
Yentl was on telly. Not a great movie but it’s about studying Talmud.
I went to the Hadran website: A new cycle is starting. I’m gonna do this

Denise Neapolitan
Denise Neapolitan

Cambridge, United Kingdom

In January 2020 on a Shabbaton to Baltimore I heard about the new cycle of Daf Yomi after the siyum celebration in NYC stadium. I started to read “ a daily dose of Talmud “ and really enjoyed it . It led me to google “ do Orthodox women study Talmud? “ and found HADRAN! Since then I listen to the podcast every morning, participate in classes and siyum. I love to learn, this is amazing! Thank you

Sandrine Simons
Sandrine Simons

Atlanta, United States

I learned Mishnayot more than twenty years ago and started with Gemara much later in life. Although I never managed to learn Daf Yomi consistently, I am learning since some years Gemara in depth and with much joy. Since last year I am studying at the International Halakha Scholars Program at the WIHL. I often listen to Rabbanit Farbers Gemara shiurim to understand better a specific sugyiah. I am grateful for the help and inspiration!

Shoshana Ruerup
Shoshana Ruerup

Berlin, Germany

It has been a pleasure keeping pace with this wonderful and scholarly group of women.

Janice Block
Janice Block

Beit Shemesh, Israel

When we heard that R. Michelle was starting daf yomi, my 11-year-old suggested that I go. Little did she know that she would lose me every morning from then on. I remember standing at the Farbers’ door, almost too shy to enter. After that first class, I said that I would come the next day but couldn’t commit to more. A decade later, I still look forward to learning from R. Michelle every morning.

Ruth Leah Kahan
Ruth Leah Kahan

Ra’anana, Israel

While vacationing in San Diego, Rabbi Leah Herz asked if I’d be interested in being in hevruta with her to learn Daf Yomi through Hadran. Why not? I had loved learning Gemara in college in 1971 but hadn’t returned. With the onset of covid, Daf Yomi and Rabbanit Michelle centered me each day. Thank-you for helping me grow and enter this amazing world of learning.
Meryll Page
Meryll Page

Minneapolis, MN, United States

I decided to learn one masechet, Brachot, but quickly fell in love and never stopped! It has been great, everyone is always asking how it’s going and chering me on, and my students are always making sure I did the day’s daf.

Yafit Fishbach
Yafit Fishbach

Memphis, Tennessee, United States

I tried Daf Yomi in the middle of the last cycle after realizing I could listen to Michelle’s shiurim online. It lasted all of 2 days! Then the new cycle started just days before my father’s first yahrzeit and my youngest daughter’s bat mitzvah. It seemed the right time for a new beginning. My family, friends, colleagues are immensely supportive!

Catriella-Freedman-jpeg
Catriella Freedman

Zichron Yaakov, Israel

“I got my job through the NY Times” was an ad campaign when I was growing up. I can headline “I got my daily Daf shiur and Hadran through the NY Times”. I read the January 4, 2020 feature on Reb. Michelle Farber and Hadran and I have been participating ever since. Thanks NY Times & Hadran!
Deborah Aschheim
Deborah Aschheim

New York, United States

I went to day school in Toronto but really began to learn when I attended Brovenders back in the early 1980’s. Last year after talking to my sister who was learning Daf Yomi, inspired, I looked on the computer and the Hadran site came up. I have been listening to each days shiur in the morning as I work. I emphasis listening since I am not sitting with a Gamara. I listen while I work in my studio.

Rachel Rotenberg
Rachel Rotenberg

Tekoa, Israel

When we heard that R. Michelle was starting daf yomi, my 11-year-old suggested that I go. Little did she know that she would lose me every morning from then on. I remember standing at the Farbers’ door, almost too shy to enter. After that first class, I said that I would come the next day but couldn’t commit to more. A decade later, I still look forward to learning from R. Michelle every morning.

Ruth Leah Kahan
Ruth Leah Kahan

Ra’anana, Israel

I started learning Talmud with R’ Haramati in Yeshivah of Flatbush. But after a respite of 60 years, Rabbanit Michelle lit my fire – after attending the last three world siyumim in Miami Beach, Meadowlands and Boca Raton, and now that I’m retired, I decided – “I can do this!” It has been an incredible journey so far, and I look forward to learning Daf everyday – Mazal Tov to everyone!

Roslyn Jaffe
Roslyn Jaffe

Florida, United States

I have joined the community of daf yomi learners at the start of this cycle. I have studied in different ways – by reading the page, translating the page, attending a local shiur and listening to Rabbanit Farber’s podcasts, depending on circumstances and where I was at the time. The reactions have been positive throughout – with no exception!

Silke Goldberg
Silke Goldberg

Guildford, United Kingdom

I started at the beginning of this cycle. No 1 reason, but here’s 5.
In 2019 I read about the upcoming siyum hashas.
There was a sermon at shul about how anyone can learn Talmud.
Talmud references come up when I am studying. I wanted to know more.
Yentl was on telly. Not a great movie but it’s about studying Talmud.
I went to the Hadran website: A new cycle is starting. I’m gonna do this

Denise Neapolitan
Denise Neapolitan

Cambridge, United Kingdom

Last cycle, I listened to parts of various מסכתות. When the הדרן סיום was advertised, I listened to Michelle on נידה. I knew that בע”ה with the next cycle I was in (ב”נ). As I entered the סיום (early), I saw the signs and was overcome with emotion. I was randomly seated in the front row, and I cried many times that night. My choice to learn דף יומי was affirmed. It is one of the best I have made!

Miriam Tannenbaum
Miriam Tannenbaum

אפרת, Israel

My husband learns Daf, my son learns Daf, my son-in-law learns Daf.
When I read about Hadran’s Siyyum HaShas 2 years ago, I thought- I can learn Daf too!
I had learned Gemara in Hillel HS in NJ, & I remembered loving it.
Rabbanit Michelle & Hadran have opened my eyes & expanding my learning so much in the past few years. We can now discuss Gemara as a family.
This was a life saver during Covid

Renee Braha
Renee Braha

Brooklyn, NY, United States

I started learning at the start of this cycle, and quickly fell in love. It has become such an important part of my day, enriching every part of my life.

Naomi Niederhoffer
Naomi Niederhoffer

Toronto, Canada

It happened without intent (so am I yotzei?!) – I watched the women’s siyum live and was so moved by it that the next morning, I tuned in to Rabbanit Michelle’s shiur, and here I am, still learning every day, over 2 years later. Some days it all goes over my head, but others I grasp onto an idea or a story, and I ‘get it’ and that’s the best feeling in the world. So proud to be a Hadran learner.

Jeanne Yael Klempner
Jeanne Yael Klempner

Zichron Yaakov, Israel

Zevachim 12

דְּאִיתַּקַּשׁ לְנֵרוֹת.

as it is juxtaposed with the lighting of the lamps (see Exodus 30:8). Evidently, it is burned in the afternoon as well.

הָתָם נָמֵי, כְּתִיב: ״שָׁם תִּזְבַּח אֶת הַפֶּסַח בָּעָרֶב״!

The Gemara asks: Just as it is written explicitly that the Candelabrum must be lit in the evening, there too, with regard to a Paschal offering, it is written: “There you shall sacrifice the Passover offering at evening” (Deuteronomy 16:6). How can ben Beteira claim that it may be sacrificed all day long?

הָהוּא לִ״יאוּחַר דָּבָר״ הוּא דַּאֲתָא, דְּתַנְיָא: יְאוּחַר דָּבָר שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר בּוֹ ״בָּעָרֶב״ וּ״בֵין הָעַרְבָּיִם״, לְדָבָר שֶׁלֹּא נֶאֱמַר בּוֹ אֶלָּא ״בֵּין הָעַרְבָּיִם״ בִּלְבַד.

The Gemara answers: That verse comes to teach a different halakha, that a certain item should be sacrificed after another item. As it is taught in a baraita with regard to the order of precedence between the Paschal offering and the daily afternoon offering: An item, i.e., the Paschal offering, with regard to which both the expressions: “In the evening,” and: “Bein ha’arbayim,” are stated, should be sacrificed after an item, the daily afternoon offering, with regard to which only “bein ha’arbayim” is stated.

וּמִי אִיכָּא מִידֵּי דְּאִילּוּ שָׁחֵיט לֵיהּ מִצַּפְרָא – אָמְרַתְּ זִימְנֵיהּ הוּא, וְכִי מָטֵי בֵּין הָעַרְבַּיִם – אָמְרַתְּ ״יְאוּחַר דָּבָר״?

The Gemara asks: But is there anything comparable to ben Beteira’s suggestion, that if one slaughters it in the morning, you say that it is its designated time and it is fit; but when afternoon comes, you say that the item should be sacrificed only after the daily afternoon offering?

אִין; דְּהָאָמַר רַבִּי יוֹחָנָן: הֲלָכָה – מִתְפַּלֵּל שֶׁל מִנְחָה, וְאַחַר כָּךְ מִתְפַּלֵּל שֶׁל מוּסָפִין.

The Gemara answers: Yes, there is a precedent; as Rabbi Yoḥanan says: If one did not recite the additional prayers of Shabbat, the New Moon, or a Festival, which should be recited in the morning, until it is time for the afternoon prayer, the halakha is that he should first recite the afternoon prayer, and recite the additional prayers thereafter.

וּ״בֵין הָעַרְבַּיִם״ דִּכְתִיב גַּבֵּי קְטֹרֶת וְנֵרוֹת, לְמָה לִי?

The Gemara asks: But if the term bein ha’arbayim is referring to the entire day, as ben Beteira maintains, why do I need those instances of the expression that are written with regard to burning incense and lighting the lamps, which are not performed all day?

וְעוֹד הֵשִׁיב רַבִּי – תַּחַת בֶּן בְּתִירָא – לְדִבְרֵי רַבִּי יְהוֹשֻׁעַ: לֹא; אִם אָמַרְתָּ בִּשְׁלֹשָׁה עָשָׂר – שֶׁאֵין מִקְצָתוֹ רָאוּי, תֹּאמַר בְּאַרְבָּעָה עָשָׂר – שֶׁמִּקְצָתוֹ רָאוּי?!

Furthermore, this interpretation of the opinion of ben Beteira is difficult, as Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi responded on behalf of ben Beteira to the statement of Rabbi Yehoshua that a Paschal offering slaughtered not for its sake on the morning of the fourteenth of Nisan is fit, as though it were slaughtered on the thirteenth: No, if you said that this is the halakha with regard to the thirteenth, as no part of the day is fit for sacrificing the Paschal offering, shall you also say that this is the halakha with regard to the fourteenth, part of which is fit for sacrificing the Paschal offering? Since it can be sacrificed in the afternoon of the fourteenth, if it is slaughtered in the morning not for its sake, it is disqualified.

וְאִם אִיתָא, כּוּלּוֹ רָאוּי הוּא!

The Gemara concludes: And if it is so that a Paschal offering can be sacrificed throughout the day of the fourteenth, all of it is fit, not only part of it.

אֶלָּא אָמַר רַבִּי יוֹחָנָן: פּוֹסֵל הָיָה בֶּן בְּתִירָא בְּפֶסַח שֶׁשְּׁחָטוֹ בְּאַרְבָּעָה עָשָׂר שַׁחֲרִית, בֵּין לִשְׁמוֹ בֵּין שֶׁלֹּא לִשְׁמוֹ, הוֹאִיל וּמִקְצָתוֹ רָאוּי.

Rather, Rabbi Oshaya’s interpretation of ben Beteira’s opinion is rejected. Instead, Rabbi Yoḥanan says: With regard to a Paschal offering that one slaughtered on the fourteenth in the morning, ben Beteira would deem it unfit, whether it was slaughtered for its sake or not for its sake. It is unfit even if it was slaughtered not for its sake, since part of the day is fit for its sacrifice as a Paschal offering.

מְגַדֵּף בַּהּ רַבִּי אֲבָהוּ: אִם כֵּן, פֶּסַח כָּשֵׁר לְבֶן בְּתִירָא – הֵיכִי מַשְׁכַּחַתְּ לַהּ? אִי דְּאַפְרְשֵׁיהּ הָאִידָּנָא – דָּחוּי מֵעִיקָּרוֹ הוּא, וְאִי דְּאַפְרְשִׁינְהוּ מֵאֶתְמוֹל – נִרְאֶה וְנִדְחֶה הוּא!

Rabbi Abbahu ridiculed [megaddef ] this interpretation: If so, how can you find a fit Paschal offering according to ben Beteira? If its owner designated an animal now, on the morning of the fourteenth, as a Paschal offering, it is disqualified from the outset, as it cannot be sacrificed at all, either for its sake or not for its sake. And even if its owner designated it the previous day, when it was fit to be sacrificed not for its sake, it was fit and then disqualified the next morning, when it was no longer fit to be sacrificed until the afternoon. Once an offering is disqualified, it can no longer become fit.

אֶלָּא אָמַר רַבִּי אֲבָהוּ: תְּהֵא לְאַחַר חֲצוֹת.

Rather, Rabbi Abbahu says: Let the Paschal offering be fit when it is designated on the fourteenth after noon, when it may already be sacrificed as a Paschal offering.

אַבָּיֵי אָמַר: אֲפִילּוּ תֵּימָא מִצַּפְרָא – אֵין מְחוּסַּר זְמַן לְבוֹ בַּיּוֹם.

Abaye says: You may even say that it is fit if designated in the morning, as an offering is not disqualified due to the fact that it is an offering whose time has not yet arrived if its time will arrive on that same day.

רַב פָּפָּא אָמַר: אֲפִילּוּ תֵּימָא מֵאוּרְתָּא – לַיְלָה אֵין מְחוּסָּר זְמַן; דְּתָנֵי דְּבֵי רַבִּי יִשְׁמָעֵאל: לֵיל שְׁמִינִי נִכְנָס לַדִּיר לְהִתְעַשֵּׂר.

Rav Pappa says: You may even say that it is fit if designated from the previous night, as an offering that was designated at night and may be sacrificed the following day is not considered an offering whose time has not yet arrived, as it is taught in the school of Rabbi Yishmael: Although an animal is unfit for sacrifice until its eighth day, on the night before its eighth day it may already enter the den to be tithed.

וְכִדְרַבִּי אַפְטוֹרִיקִי, דְּרַבִּי אַפְטוֹרִיקִי רָמֵי: כְּתִיב ״וְהָיָה שִׁבְעַת יָמִים תַּחַת אִמּוֹ״ – הָא לַיְלָה חֲזֵי; וּכְתִיב ״וּמִיּוֹם הַשְּׁמִינִי וָהָלְאָה יֵרָצֶה״ – הָא לַיְלָה לָא חֲזֵי!

And this is in accordance with the statement of Rabbi Appetoriki, as Rabbi Appetoriki raises a contradiction: It is written: “When a bull or a sheep or a goat is born, then it shall be seven days with its mother” (Leviticus 22:27); consequently, on the following night, i.e., the night before the eighth day, it is fit for sacrifice. And it is written subsequently in that verse: “But from the eighth day and on it may be accepted for an offering made by fire unto the Lord”; consequently, on the previous night, i.e., the night before the eighth day, it is not yet fit.

הָא כֵּיצַד? לַיְלָה לִקְדוּשָּׁה, וְיוֹם לְהַרְצָאָה.

How can these texts be reconciled? At night it is fit for consecration, and the following day it is fit for effecting acceptance, i.e., for sacrifice. Apparently, an offering that may be sacrificed the following day can be consecrated the previous night, even though it may not be sacrificed at night, and it is not considered an offering whose time has not yet arrived.

אֲמַר לֵיהּ רַבִּי זֵירָא לְרַבִּי אֲבָהוּ: לֵימָא קָסָבַר רַבִּי יוֹחָנָן בַּעֲלֵי חַיִּים נִדְחִין?!

§ Rabbi Abbahu presumes that an animal consecrated before it may be sacrificed is disqualified. With regard to this, Rabbi Zeira said to Rabbi Abbahu: Shall we say that Rabbi Yoḥanan holds that consecrated animals that cannot be sacrificed at any given moment are disqualified from ever being sacrificed?

אֲמַר לֵיהּ: אִין; דְּאָמַר רַבִּי יוֹחָנָן: בְּהֵמָה שֶׁל שְׁנֵי שׁוּתָּפִין – הִקְדִּישׁ חֶצְיָהּ, וְחָזַר וְלָקַח חֶצְיָהּ וְהִקְדִּישָׁהּ – קְדוֹשָׁה, וְאֵינָהּ קְרֵיבָה.

Rabbi Abbahu said to him: Yes, as Rabbi Yoḥanan says: With regard to an animal belonging to two partners, if one of them consecrated the half of it that belongs to him, and then purchased the other half of it from his partner and consecrated it, it is consecrated, despite the fact that it was consecrated piecemeal. But it may not be sacrificed, since when he first consecrated it, the consecration did not extend to his partner’s half. Since the animal was not fit to be sacrificed then, it is disqualified permanently.

וְעוֹשֶׂה תְּמוּרָה, וּתְמוּרָתָהּ כְּיוֹצֵא בָּהּ.

But as it is consecrated now, it can render consecrated as a substitute a non-sacred animal that is exchanged for it. If the owner substitutes a non-sacred animal for this one, the second animal becomes consecrated as well. And yet its substitute is like it; it too is consecrated but cannot be sacrificed.

וּשְׁמַע מִינַּהּ תְּלָת: שְׁמַע מִינַּהּ בַּעֲלֵי חַיִּים נִדְחִין, וּשְׁמַע מִינַּהּ דָּחוּי מֵעִיקָּרָא הָוֵה דָּחוּי, וּשְׁמַע מִינַּהּ

And one can conclude three points from this statement: Conclude from it that animals that cannot be sacrificed are permanently disqualified; and conclude from it that disqualification from the outset, i.e., from the time the offering is consecrated, is permanent disqualification; and conclude from it that

יֵשׁ דִּחוּי בְּדָמִים.

there is permanent disqualification even in a case where the animal possesses sanctity that inheres in its monetary value, rather than inherent sanctity.

אָמַר עוּלָּא אָמַר רַבִּי יוֹחָנָן: אָכַל חֵלֶב וְהִפְרִישׁ קׇרְבָּן, וְנִשְׁתַּמֵּד, וְחָזַר בּוֹ – הוֹאִיל וְנִדְחָה, יִדָּחֶה.

§ Ulla says that Rabbi Yoḥanan says: If one ate forbidden fat and designated an offering to atone for the transgression, and then apostatized, thereby disqualifying himself from bringing an offering, and later recanted his apostasy, since the offering was already disqualified, it shall be disqualified permanently.

אִיתְּמַר נָמֵי, אָמַר רַבִּי יִרְמְיָה אָמַר רַבִּי אֲבָהוּ אָמַר רַבִּי יוֹחָנָן: אָכַל חֵלֶב וְהִפְרִישׁ קׇרְבָּן, וְנִשְׁתַּטָּה, וְחָזַר וְנִשְׁתַּפָּה – הוֹאִיל וְנִדְחָה, יִדָּחֶה.

It was also stated that Rabbi Yirmeya says that Rabbi Abbahu says that Rabbi Yoḥanan says: If one ate forbidden fat and designated an offering to atone for his transgression, and then became an imbecile, who is unfit to bring an offering, and then again became halakhically competent, since the offering was already disqualified, it shall be disqualified permanently.

וּצְרִיכִי; דְּאִי אַשְׁמְעִינַן קַמַּיְיתָא – מִשּׁוּם דְּהוּא דָּחֵי נַפְשֵׁיהּ בְּיָדַיִם; אֲבָל הָכָא דְּמִמֵּילָא אִידְּחִי – כְּיָשֵׁן דָּמֵי.

The Gemara notes: And both statements are necessary. As, if Rabbi Yoḥanan had taught us only the first statement, concerning an apostate, one might have reasoned that the offering is permanently disqualified because he disqualified himself by his own action, but here, in the case of one who became an imbecile, where he was disqualified through a process that occurs by itself, when he becomes competent again he may bring his sacrifice, as it is considered as though he were asleep. If one designated an offering and fell asleep, this certainly does not disqualify it.

וְאִי אַשְׁמְעִינַן הָכָא – מִשּׁוּם דְּאֵין בְּיָדוֹ לַחֲזוֹר; אֲבָל הָכָא דְּיֵשׁ בְּיָדוֹ לַחֲזוֹר – אֵימָא לָא; צְרִיכָא.

And if Rabbi Yoḥanan had taught us only the statement here, with regard to one who became an imbecile, one might have reasoned that the offering is permanently disqualified because it is not in his power to return to competence, but here, in the case of an apostate, since it is in his power to recant his apostasy, I would say that the offering is not permanently disqualified. Therefore, both statements are necessary.

בָּעֵי רַבִּי יִרְמְיָה: אָכַל חֵלֶב וְהִפְרִישׁ קׇרְבָּן, וְהוֹרוּ בֵּית דִּין שֶׁחֵלֶב מוּתָּר, וְחָזְרוּ בָּהֶן, מַהוּ? מִי הָוֵי דָּחוּי, אוֹ לָא הָוֵי דָּחוּי?

Rabbi Yirmeya raises a dilemma: If one ate forbidden fat and designated an offering for the transgression, and then the court ruled that the type of fat he ate is permitted, thereby rendering the offering unnecessary, and the court subsequently retracted its ruling, in this case, what is the halakha? Is the offering permanently disqualified, or is it not permanently disqualified?

אֲמַר לֵיהּ הָהוּא סָבָא: כִּי פָּתַח רַבִּי יוֹחָנָן בִּדְחוּיִין – מֵהָא פָּתַח. מַאי טַעְמָא? הָתָם – גַּבְרָא אִידְּחִי, קׇרְבָּן לָא אִידְּחִי; הָכָא – קׇרְבָּן נָמֵי אִידְּחִי.

A certain elder [hahu sava] said to Rabbi Yirmeya: When Rabbi Yoḥanan introduced the topic of permanently disqualified offerings, he introduced it with this case. What is the reason? There, in the case of one who apostatized or became an imbecile, although the person was disqualified, the offering itself was not disqualified. Consequently, it is less evident that the offering will be disqualified permanently. But here, in a case where the court ruled that the fat is permitted, the offering itself was also disqualified, as it was rendered unnecessary. Therefore, this is a more obvious example.

אָמַר שִׁמְעוֹן בֶּן עַזַּאי: מְקוּבְּלַנִי מִפִּי שִׁבְעִים וּשְׁנַיִם זָקֵן כּוּ׳. לְמָה לִי לְמִתְנָא ״שִׁבְעִים וּשְׁנַיִם זָקֵן״? דְּכוּלְּהוּ בַּחֲדָא שִׁיטְתָא הֲווֹ קָיְימִי.

§ The mishna teaches: Shimon ben Azzai said: I received a tradition from seventy-two elders [zaken] that all slaughtered offerings that are eaten, if slaughtered not for their sake, are fit. The Gemara asks: Why do I need to teach the phrase seventy-two elders using the singular form: Zaken, rather than the plural form: Zekenim? The Gemara answers: Because they all maintained one opinion, i.e., they all agreed with this halakha.

לֹא הוֹסִיף בֶּן עַזַּאי אֶלָּא הָעוֹלָה.

The mishna continues: Ben Azzai added only the burnt offering to the sin offering and the Paschal offering, which are mentioned in the first mishna as disqualified when sacrificed not for their sake.

אָמַר רַב הוּנָא: מַאי טַעְמָא דְּבֶן עַזַּאי? ״עוֹלָה הוּא אִשֵּׁה רֵיחַ נִיחֹחַ לַה׳״ – הִיא לִשְׁמָהּ כְּשֵׁרָה, שֶׁלֹּא לִשְׁמָהּ פְּסוּלָה.

Rav Huna said: What is the reason for the opinion of ben Azzai? The verse states: “It is a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, of a pleasing aroma unto the Lord” (Leviticus 1:13). The word “it” teaches that if it is sacrificed for its sake, it is fit; if sacrificed not for its sake, it is unfit.

אָשָׁם נָמֵי כְּתִיב בֵּיהּ ״הוּא״!

The Gemara asks: Isn’t the word “it” written with regard to a guilt offering as well, in the verse: “It is a guilt offering” (Leviticus 7:5)? Nevertheless, a guilt offering sacrificed not for its sake is not disqualified.

הָהוּא לְאַחַר הַקְטָרַת אֵימוּרִים הוּא דִּכְתִיב.

The Gemara answers: That verse is written after the burning of the sacrificial portions on the altar. Since the offering is fit even if these portions are not burned at all, it is certainly fit if they are burned not for the sake of a guilt offering.

הַאי נָמֵי לְאַחַר הַקְטָרַת אֵימוּרִים הוּא דִּכְתִיב!

The Gemara asks: Isn’t this mention of the word “it” with regard to a burnt offering also written after the burning of the sacrificial portions on the altar?

תְּרֵי ״הוּא״ כְּתִיבִי.

The Gemara answers: The word “it” is written with regard to a burnt offering in two places, both in Leviticus 1:13 and in Exodus 29:18. Although both are written after the burning of the portions consumed on the altar, one of them is superfluous, and is therefore interpreted in reference to the main sacrificial rites, performed before the burning of the portions. The verse therefore teaches that the offering is fit only if these rites are performed for its sake.

גַּבֵּי אָשָׁם נָמֵי תְּרֵי ״הוּא״ כְּתִיבִי!

The Gemara asks: With regard to a guilt offering as well, isn’t the word “it” written in two places, Leviticus 5:9 and Leviticus 7:5?

אֶלָּא בֶּן עַזַּאי בְּקַל וָחוֹמֶר מַיְיתֵי לַהּ: וּמָה חַטָּאת שֶׁאֵינָהּ כָּלִיל, שְׁחָטָהּ שֶׁלֹּא לִשְׁמָהּ – פְּסוּלָה, עוֹלָה שֶׁהִיא כָּלִיל – לֹא כׇּל שֶׁכֵּן?!

Rather, ben Azzai derives his halakha not from a verse, but by an a fortiori inference: Just as with regard to a sin offering, which is not totally consumed on the altar but partially eaten by priests, if one slaughtered it not for its sake it is disqualified, so too, with regard to a burnt offering, which is treated more strictly in that it is totally consumed on the altar, all the more so is it not clear that if it is slaughtered not for its sake it is disqualified?

מָה לְחַטָּאת, שֶׁכֵּן מְכַפֶּרֶת!

The Gemara rejects this inference: What is notable about a sin offering? It is notable in that it atones for sin, in contrast to a burnt offering, which is not brought for atonement. Therefore, only a sin offering is disqualified when sacrificed not for its sake.

פֶּסַח יוֹכִיחַ.

The Gemara suggests: A Paschal offering can prove the point, as it is not brought for atonement, yet it is disqualified if sacrificed not for its sake.

מָה לְפֶסַח, שֶׁכֵּן זְמַנּוֹ קָבוּעַ!

The Gemara rejects this as well: What is notable about a Paschal offering? It is notable in that its time is set at Passover eve, in contrast to a burnt offering, which does not have a designated time.

חַטָּאת תּוֹכִיחַ. וְחָזַר הַדִּין; לֹא רְאִי זֶה כִּרְאִי זֶה, וְלֹא רְאִי זֶה כִּרְאִי זֶה; הַצַּד הַשָּׁוֶה שֶׁבָּהֶן – שֶׁהֵן קֳדָשִׁים, וּשְׁחָטָן שֶׁלֹּא לִשְׁמָן פָּסוּל; אַף אֲנִי אָבִיא עוֹלָה – שֶׁהִיא קָדָשִׁים, וּשְׁחָטָהּ שֶׁלֹּא לִשְׁמָהּ פְּסוּלָה.

The Gemara suggests: If so, a sin offering can prove the point, since it has no set time. And the inference has reverted to its starting point. The halakha is derived from the common element of the two sources: The aspect of this case is not like the aspect of that case and the aspect of that case is not like the aspect of this case. Their common element is that they are offerings, and if one slaughtered them not for their sake, they are disqualified. So too, I shall include a burnt offering in this halakha, as it is an offering, and therefore if one slaughtered it not for its sake, it is disqualified.

מָה לְהַצַּד הַשָּׁוֶה שֶׁבָּהֶן, שֶׁיֵּשׁ בָּהֶן צַד כָּרֵת!

The Gemara rejects this as well: What is notable about their common element? It is notable in that they both have an element of karet. A sin offering is brought for a transgression punishable by karet when committed intentionally, and one who refrains intentionally from bringing a Paschal offering is liable to be punished with karet. A burnt offering does not have an element of karet.

בֶּן עַזַּאי,

The Gemara answers: Ben Azzai

Want to follow content and continue where you left off?

Create an account today to track your progress, mark what you’ve learned, and follow the shiurim that speak to you.

Clear all items from this list?

This will remove ALL the items in this section. You will lose any progress or history connected to them. This is irreversible.

Cancel
Yes, clear all

Are you sure you want to delete this item?

You will lose any progress or history connected to this item.

Cancel
Yes, delete