Torah.org Home Subscribe Services Support Us
 
Print Version

Email this article to a friend


49. Sacrilege - Me'ilah

It is forbidden to derive benefit from sacred things (except for those parts of sacrifices that are eaten) or from things forbidden to oneself by a vow, as it says "You must not eat... the vows that you make".1 If one derives benefit from or damages a sacred thing in error he pays 5/4 of what he benefitted and brings a guilt-offering, as it says "If a person commits sacrilege against Ha-Shem and sins in error with the sacred things of Ha-Shem he must bring his sin-offering... and that [with] which he sinned of the sacred things he shall pay for and shall add a fifth to it...2. However, this prohibition does not apply to peace-offerings, firstborn, tithes, and the Passover; until after their blood has been sprinkled on the altar these sacrifices are called "holy in a minor degree". It is forbidden to do work with or to shear a sacrificial animal, as it says "You shall not work with the firstborn of your ox nor shear the firstborn of your sheep".3,a

Sources:

1. Deut. 12:17 a. 1:1-3,7; 2:1; 3:9; 6:1; Maaseh ha-Korbanos 1:17. On the "fifth" see Shevuos, Note c.
2. Lev. 5:15-16
3. Deut. 15:19


Please Support TORAH.ORG
Print Version       Email this article to a friend

 

ARTICLES ON MISHPATIM:

View Complete List

Miracle VS Miracle: Part Two
Rabbi Aron Tendler - 5761

Remember the Feeling
Rabbi Yisroel Ciner - 5763

Aha!
Rabbi Label Lam - 5765

> Help Me Help Myself
Rabbi Yochanan Zweig - 5771

One Step Back - Two Steps Forward
Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky - 5758

Power of Prayer
Rabbi Yisroel Ciner - 5761

Frumster - Orthodox Jewish Dating

Old Memories
Rabbi Naftali Reich - 5767

Put Yourself In His Shoes
Rabbi Chaim Flom - 5755

The Invisible Heart
Shlomo Katz - 5758

> Law Brings Holiness
Rabbi Berel Wein - 5755

Sound Judgement
Rabbi Pinchas Winston - 5759

Laws and Attitudes
Shlomo Katz - 5767

Education of Dedication
Rabbi Pinchas Winston - 5757

Help!
Rabbi Yisroel Ciner - 5760

The Complete Body Of Mitzvos
Rabbi Pinchas Winston - 5761

Volumes in Volume
Rabbi Label Lam - 5764



Project Genesis

Torah.org Home


Torah Portion

Jewish Law

Ethics

Texts

Learn the Basics

Seasons

Features

TORAHAUDIO

Ask The Rabbi

Knowledge Base




Help

About Us

Contact Us



Free Book on Geulah!




Torah.org Home
Torah.org HomeCapalon.com Copyright Information