Positive Mitzvot 80, 81

Introduction to Mitzvot 79 - 82

The Uniqueness of the First-born

In Egypt, the tenth and final plague, which led to the exodus of the Jewish people, was the slaughter of all Egyptian first-born men and animals.

HaShem guarded the homes of the Jews and their first born remained unharmed.

The Torah tells us that HaShem then claimed for Himself the first-born of the Jews and their beasts, and declared them holy.

Certain Mitzvot apply only to the first-born.

Since our first-born sons were claimed by HaShem, they must be redeemed by giving five silver coins to the priest.

Fathers should fulfill this Positive Mitzvah when the baby boy is one month old. This is called the Pidyon HaBen.

If for some reason the Pidyon HaBen did not take place at that time, the first-born son must carry out the Pidyon HaBen himself.

The specialty of the first-born affects only one non-kosher animal - the donkey.

Since a non-kosher animal cannot be sacrificed, it must be redeemed.

Its owner is commanded to pay the priest its value or give him a lamb in exchange.