Sifra Bechukotai Section 4

¹1) (Vayikra 27:11) ("And if any unclean beast, which may not be presented of it as an offering to the L–rd, then the beast shall be stood before the Cohein.") I might think that Scripture is speaking of a beast which is (ritually) unclean. But (Vayikra 27:27) "And if among the unclean beasts, then he shall redeem it with your valuation" already speaks of a (ritually) unclean beast. Our verse, then, must be referring to the redemption of consecrated animals which became blemished. I might think that it must be redeemed even if it contracted a passing blemish; it is, therefore, written "which may not be presented of it as an offering to the L–rd" — to exclude a (beast with a) passing blemish, which is kasher (for sacrifice) when the blemish passes. ²2) "unclean": to include (in redemption) a dead (literally unclean) beast which he consecrated (for its money value). I might think that (it is redeemed) even if he said "This beast is consecrated" and (then) it died; it is, therefore, written "then the beast shall be stood … (Vayikra 27:12) and the Cohein shall valuate it." Where there is "standing," there is valuation; where there is no standing, there is no valuation. ³3) Why do you see fit to include (his consecrating) a dead beast, and exclude his saying "This beast is consecrated" and its dying (thereafter)? — After Scripture includes, it excludes. We derive it from an unclean (i.e., blemished) beast. Just as with an unclean beast, the time of its redemption is equivalent to the time of consecration (i.e., at both times the beast is not fit for sacrifice), so, I include (his consecrating) a dead beast, whose time of redemption is equivalent to its time of consecration, and I exclude his saying "This beast is consecrated" and its dying (thereafter), where the time of its redemption is not equivalent to its time of consecration. ⁴4) — But something that you learn in one way, you should learn in all the ways that appertain to it, viz.: Just as with the "unclean beast" (mentioned here), its beginning is consecration, (but not its end [i.e., it is unfit as an offering]), and it is subject to me'ilah (defilement of sacred property), and it belongs entirely to Heaven (i.e., before it is redeemed, neither Cohanim not non-Cohanim have any rights in it) — so, I will include (for valuation and redemption) what is like it. And what is that? The bullocks for burning and the he-goats for burning, (which have now become blemished). Whence do I derive (for inclusion) holy of holies, and lower order offerings, both communal and individual? From "and if any unclean beast," instead of (merely) "unclean beast." ⁵5) "then the beast shall be stood before the Cohein": A beast can be redeemed, but birds, wood, frankincense, and serving vessels (which became defiled) cannot be redeemed. ⁶6) (Vayikra 27:12) ("And the Cohein shall valuate it, good or bad. As the Cohein valuates it for you, so shall it be.") "And the Cohein shall valuate it, good or bad.": Consecrated animals are not redeemed by approximation, (but there must be an exact estimate). "As the Cohein valuates it for you, so shall it be": If one said: I will take it for ten selaim; another: for twenty; another: for thirty; another: for forty; another: for fifty — If the "fifty" backed out, his property is attached for ten selaim; if the "forty," his property is attached for ten; if the "thirty," his property is attached for ten; if the "twenty," his property is attached for ten; if the "ten," the animal is sold for its (market) worth, and the balance is made up by the "ten." ⁷7) (Vayikra 27:13) "And if he would redeem, redeem it": to include one's heir. "then he shall add its fifth to your valuations": There are two (valuations) here (Vayikra 27 verse 12 and Vayikra 27 verse 13), one that adds a fifth (Vayikra 27 verse 13) and one that does not add a fifth (Vayikra 27 verse 12), and it is not known whether the owner or other men are being referred to. Just as we find in the "redemptions" mentioned below, the owner adds a fifth, but not other men (who wish to purchase it), so, in the "redemptions" mentioned here, the owner adds a fifth, and not other men. ⁸8) (Vayikra 27:14) ("And a man, if he consecrate his house, holy to the L–rd, then the Cohein shall valuate it, good or bad. As the Cohein shall valuate it, so shall it stand.") "And a man, if he consecrate his house": I might think that Scripture speaks only of a dwelling, (but not of other property). But (Vayikra 27:15) "And if the consecrator would redeem his house" already speaks of a dwelling. How, then, am I to understand "And a man, if he consecrate his house"? As referring to his property. ⁹9) "holy to the L–rd": We are hereby apprised that "consecrations," unspecified (as to purpose) are for Temple maintenance.