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Numbers 18:14 - Priestly gifts are yours forever.

Numbers 18:14 - במדבר 18:14

Hebrew Text

כָּל־חֵרֶם בְּיִשְׂרָאֵל לְךָ יִהְיֶה׃

English Translation

Everything devoted in Yisra᾽el shall be thine.

Transliteration

Kol-cherem be-yisra'el lekha yihyeh.

Hebrew Leining Text

כׇּל־חֵ֥רֶם בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל לְךָ֥ יִהְיֶֽה׃
כׇּל־חֵ֥רֶם בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל לְךָ֥ יִהְיֶֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse "כָּל־חֵרֶם בְּיִשְׂרָאֵל לְךָ יִהְיֶה" (Everything devoted in Yisra᾽el shall be thine) appears in Bamidbar (Numbers) 18:14, within the broader discussion of the gifts and portions allocated to the Kohanim (priests) and Levi'im (Levites). This verse specifically addresses the status of cherem (things devoted to Hashem) and their allocation to the Kohanim.

Meaning of "Cherem"

Rashi explains that cherem refers to items or property that have been irrevocably consecrated to Hashem, whether by an individual or by the community. Unlike other consecrated items (hekdesh), which can sometimes be redeemed, cherem cannot be reclaimed and must be given entirely to the Kohanim or, in some cases, destroyed (as in the case of idolatrous cities).

Allocation to the Kohanim

The Rambam (Hilchos Me'ilah 8:6-7) elaborates that cherem given to the Kohanim becomes their personal property, unlike other sacred gifts (e.g., terumah), which retain a degree of sanctity. This verse emphasizes that the Kohanim have an exclusive right to such offerings, reinforcing their role as spiritual leaders sustained by the people's devotion to Hashem.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Sifrei (Bamidbar 118) connects this verse to the broader theme of the Kohanim’s sustenance, highlighting that their material support enables them to focus entirely on Divine service.
  • The Midrash Tanchuma (Korach 10) teaches that cherem serves as a reminder of the severity of vows and the importance of fulfilling one's commitments to Hashem.

Halachic Implications

According to the Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 259), the laws of cherem remain relevant even after the destruction of the Temple, particularly in cases of charitable vows or communal enactments. The verse thus underscores the enduring principle that sacred obligations must be treated with utmost seriousness.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'everything devoted in Israel shall be thine' mean in Numbers 18:14?
A: This verse refers to the special gifts (called 'cherem' or 'devoted items') that were given exclusively to the Kohanim (priests) for their service in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and later the Beit HaMikdash (Temple). Rashi explains that these included certain voluntary offerings and firstborn animals that were not redeemed.
Q: Why was this law about devoted items given to the Kohanim?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot Me'ilah 8:8) teaches that this was part of the Torah's system to support the Kohanim, who dedicated their lives to Divine service and had no land inheritance like the other tribes. These gifts allowed them to focus on their sacred duties without worldly concerns.
Q: Does this verse about devoted items apply today without the Temple?
A: While the specific laws of 'cherem' offerings only apply when the Temple stands, the Talmud (Chullin 137a) derives from this verse that we still have obligations to honor and support Torah scholars today, continuing the principle of supporting those who serve spiritual roles in the community.
Q: What's the difference between 'cherem' and regular priestly gifts?
A: The Sifrei (a halachic Midrash) explains that 'cherem' refers to items that are permanently and exclusively given to the Kohanim, unlike other priestly gifts which might be shared or have different rules. These were particularly sacred and could not be redeemed or used by others.
Q: What lesson can we learn from this verse about giving to spiritual causes?
A: The Meshech Chochmah teaches that this verse shows the importance of properly supporting those who dedicate their lives to spiritual service. Just as the Kohanim received these gifts, we learn the value of generously contributing to Torah institutions and those who teach and preserve our sacred traditions.