Leviticus 27:28 - Irrevocable holiness to Hashem

Q: What does 'cherem' (devoted thing) mean in Leviticus 27:28?

In Leviticus 27:28, 'cherem' refers to something a person dedicates completely to Hashem, making it holy and forbidden for any personal use. According to Rashi, this means the item becomes the property of the Temple and cannot be sold or redeemed (bought back). It applies to people, animals, or property that one vows to dedicate to Hashem.

Q: Why can't a 'cherem' be sold or redeemed?

The Torah states that a 'cherem' cannot be sold or redeemed because it is 'kodesh kodashim'—most holy to Hashem (Leviticus 27:28). The Rambam explains in Hilchot Arachin (8:1) that once something is declared 'cherem,' it becomes permanently sanctified for Temple use and cannot be repurchased or used for personal benefit.

Q: Does the concept of 'cherem' still apply today?

While the laws of 'cherem' primarily applied when the Temple stood, the principle teaches us about the seriousness of vows and dedication to Hashem. The Talmud (Nedarim 32a) discusses the importance of keeping one's word when making a vow, and today, we learn from this the value of commitment in serving Hashem with sincerity.

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Hebrew Text

אַךְ־כָּל־חֵרֶם אֲשֶׁר יַחֲרִם אִישׁ לַיהוָה מִכָּל־אֲשֶׁר־לוֹ מֵאָדָם וּבְהֵמָה וּמִשְּׂדֵה אֲחֻזָּתוֹ לֹא יִמָּכֵר וְלֹא יִגָּאֵל כָּל־חֵרֶם קֹדֶשׁ־קָדָשִׁים הוּא לַיהוָה׃

English Translation

Notwithstanding no devoted thing, that a man shall devote to the Lord of all that he has, both of man and beast, and of the field of his possession, shall be sold or redeemed: every devoted thing is most holy to the Lord.

Transliteration

Akh-kol-kherem asher yakharim ish la-Adonai mikol-asher-lo me-adam u-vehemah u-misdei achuzato lo yimakher ve-lo yigal kol-kherem kodesh-kodashim hu la-Adonai.

Hebrew Leining Text

אַךְ־כׇּל־חֵ֡רֶם אֲשֶׁ֣ר יַחֲרִם֩ אִ֨ישׁ לַֽיהֹוָ֜ה מִכׇּל־אֲשֶׁר־ל֗וֹ מֵאָדָ֤ם וּבְהֵמָה֙ וּמִשְּׂדֵ֣ה אֲחֻזָּת֔וֹ לֹ֥א יִמָּכֵ֖ר וְלֹ֣א יִגָּאֵ֑ל כׇּל־חֵ֕רֶם קֹֽדֶשׁ־קׇדָשִׁ֥ים ה֖וּא לַיהֹוָֽה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Concept of חֵרֶם (Cherem)

The verse discusses the sanctity of cherem, a form of consecration where an individual dedicates something irrevocably to Hashem. According to Rashi (Vayikra 27:28), cherem is the highest level of sanctification, making the object kodesh kodashim (most holy). Unlike other consecrations, cherem cannot be sold or redeemed—it permanently belongs to the Beit HaMikdash or the Kohanim, depending on the context.

Types of Cherem

Property Cherem: Rambam (Hilchot Arachin 8:1) explains that if one declares their field or possessions as cherem, it becomes the property of the Kohanim and cannot be reclaimed.
Human or Animal Cherem: The Talmud (Arachin 28b) discusses the severe implications of declaring a person or animal as cherem, which may require their destruction (as in the case of Yericho) or dedication to the Mishkan/Beit HaMikdash.

Irrevocable Sanctity

The phrase "לֹא יִמָּכֵר וְלֹא יִגָּאֵל" ("shall not be sold or redeemed") emphasizes the absolute nature of cherem. The Sforno (Vayikra 27:28) notes that this differs from standard consecrations, where redemption is often possible. Here, the sanctity is eternal, reflecting a total surrender to Hashem’s service.

Halachic Implications

The Ramban (Vayikra 27:28) warns that declaring cherem improperly can lead to severe consequences, as seen in the story of Yiftach (Shoftim 11). The Mishnah (Nedarim 1:3) also teaches that vows of cherem must be treated with extreme caution, as they cannot be nullified lightly.

Spiritual Lesson

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 34:4) connects cherem</em to the idea of complete devotion—just as one cannot reclaim a cherem, so too should a Jew’s commitment to Torah and mitzvot be unwavering. This reflects the principle of mesirut nefesh (self-sacrifice) in serving Hashem.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Arakhin 8b

The verse is discussed in the context of the laws of consecration (cherem) and the prohibition against selling or redeeming such devoted items.

📖 Temurah 4b

The verse is referenced in relation to the laws of substitution (temurah) and the sanctity of devoted items.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does 'cherem' (devoted thing) mean in Leviticus 27:28?
A: In Leviticus 27:28, 'cherem' refers to something a person dedicates completely to Hashem, making it holy and forbidden for any personal use. According to Rashi, this means the item becomes the property of the Temple and cannot be sold or redeemed (bought back). It applies to people, animals, or property that one vows to dedicate to Hashem.
Q: Why can't a 'cherem' be sold or redeemed?
A: The Torah states that a 'cherem' cannot be sold or redeemed because it is 'kodesh kodashim'—most holy to Hashem (Leviticus 27:28). The Rambam explains in Hilchot Arachin (8:1) that once something is declared 'cherem,' it becomes permanently sanctified for Temple use and cannot be repurchased or used for personal benefit.
Q: Does the concept of 'cherem' still apply today?
A: While the laws of 'cherem' primarily applied when the Temple stood, the principle teaches us about the seriousness of vows and dedication to Hashem. The Talmud (Nedarim 32a) discusses the importance of keeping one's word when making a vow, and today, we learn from this the value of commitment in serving Hashem with sincerity.