Previously we learned that when a Jew accepts from an idolater sheep valued at a fixed sum, with the arrangement of sharing in the offspring, the offspring are exempt from the laws of the firstborn. Rav Huna understands this to mean only the next generation, but Rav Yehudah says that the next two generations are exempt, because this is how far the lien extends. They derive their respective views from the analysis of the dissenting opinion of Rabban Shimon ben Gamliel who says that all generations are exempt.
If an ewe gave birth to two male lambs and their heads emerged from the womb simultaneously, then Rabbi Yose HaGlili says that both are firstborn and both are given to a kohen, since the Torah said, “The males belong to God.” However, the Sages disagree and say that it is impossible for two events to happen exactly at the same time. Therefore, one was the firstborn, only we don't know which one, and the kohen gets one animal. Rabbi Yose then says that this Torah phrase is exactly the source teaching that simultaneous events occur. And the Sages? The say that “males” just means all males in general.
Art: Richard Ansdell - A Ewe with Lambs and a Heron Beside a Loch
2 comments:
Gene asked:
Previously we have learned that if male and female donkeys are born, and we do not know which one is first, kohen does no get the redemption.
So, it seems, if two mails are born none go to a kohen. However, if redemption is possible, one can be given to a kohen, as possible substitute.
Is the redemption of a firstborn lamb possible?
Good question! it gives a chance to review and clarify.
Firstborn donkeys are redeemed, while other firstborn kosher animals are given to a kohen.
Only a firstborn male is considered for this. Therefore, if a female and a male was born, then there was a possibility that there was no firstborn in this situation at all, and that's why the kohen got nothing.
However, if two males are born, then surely one is firstborn, and this is where we begin the argument whether two can be firstborn or no.
Firstborn male lamb is not redeemed, instead, it is given to a kohen. Firstborn female ewe does not require redemption, and next offspring are not firstborn.
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