Redemption of First-born
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Redemption of First-born (pidyon ha-ben in Hebrew), is an important ritual in Judaism. It is still observed today, particularly by Orthodox Jews.
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Principles
When a woman gives birth by natural birth through her vagina (and not by Caesarean section) to a firstborn son, then the child must be "redeemed" from a known Kohen representing the original Jewish Temple priesthood, for the sum of five silver Shekels, or five silver pieces of the country's currency, such as silver dollars in the U.S. The restriction to initial vaginal birth stems from the Bibilical text regarding the redemption, which says a child that is "Peter Rechem Imo," or the "opening of his mother's womb", needs to be redeemed. The procedure does not apply to the children of whom the father is a Kohen or Levi, or when the mother is descended from one.
This "redemption" ceremony is done on the 31st day after the birth of the child and is accompanied by an obligatory festive meal known as a se'udath mitzvah ("meal of a mitzvah").
Background
The laws concerning redemption of the first-born of man are recorded in Ex. 13:12-15; 22:29; 34:20; Num. 3:45; 8:17; 18:16; Leviticus 12:2,4.
In the early part of the Bible, as recorded in the Book of Genesis, the duties of a priest fell upon the eldest son of each family. The first-born was to be dedicated to God in order to perform this task.
Following the Israelite Exodus from Egypt, an extensive plan of formal sacrificial worship was instituted. The preisthood was taken away from the first-borns, and given to the tribe of Levites, specifically to the Cohenim, Levites who has descended from High Priest Aaron, after the nation had sinned with the Golden Calf. At the same time it was instituted that the first born of each family should be redeemed; i.e. they would be 'bought back' from the dedication to God that would previously have been required of them.
The first-born male of every clean animal was to be given up to the priest for sacrifice (Deuteronomy 12:6; Exodus 13:12, 34:20; Num. 18:15-17). The first-born of unclean animals, however, was either to be redeemed or sold and the price given to the priest (Lev. 27:11-13, 27). The first-born of an ass, if not redeemed, was to be put to death (Ex. 13:13; 34:20).
Redemption of First-born is a concept in both Jewish and Christian theology, and is part of the Messianic halacha.
See also
- Brit milah (circumcision)
Reference
- This entry incorporates text from the public domain Easton's Bible Dictionary, originally published in 1897.
External link
| Jewish life topics | |
|---|---|
| Birth: Brit milah | Zeved habat (Simchat Bat) | Hebrew name | Redemption of First-born (Pidyon Haben) | |
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