Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Leviticus 22:11 mean?
A: Leviticus 22:11 discusses the laws regarding who may eat from the sacred food (terumah) given to the kohanim (priests). It states that if a kohen purchases a non-Jewish servant with money, that servant may eat from the kohen's terumah, as well as any children born in the kohen's household. This is because they become part of the kohen's household and are considered under his authority (Rashi, Rambam Hilchos Terumos 10:14).
Q: Why is this verse important in Jewish law?
A: This verse is important because it clarifies who is permitted to partake of the terumah (sacred food reserved for kohanim). The Torah restricts terumah consumption to kohanim and their immediate households, including purchased servants and their children. This teaches us about the boundaries of holiness and the responsibilities of a kohen’s household (Talmud Yevamos 70a, Rambam Hilchos Terumos 10:14).
Q: What can we learn from Leviticus 22:11?
A: We learn that the Torah extends certain privileges to those under a kohen’s care, showing that household members—even acquired servants—are included in the spiritual benefits of the priesthood. This teaches the value of responsibility and inclusion within a holy framework (Midrash Toras Kohanim, Rashi).
Q: Does this law apply today?
A: While the laws of terumah technically still apply, they are mainly relevant when the majority of the Jewish people live in the Land of Israel and the Temple is standing. Today, since we lack the Temple and the full application of agricultural laws, kohanim do not receive terumah in practice (Rambam Hilchos Terumos 1:26).
Q: Why does the Torah allow a purchased servant to eat terumah?
A: The Torah permits a purchased servant to eat terumah because, once acquired by a kohen, they become part of his household and share in his sanctified status. This reflects the principle that those under a kohen’s authority are included in his spiritual obligations and privileges (Talmud Kiddushin 67b, Rambam Hilchos Terumos 10:14).
Context of the Verse
This verse (Vayikra 22:11) is part of the Torah's discussion regarding who may partake of terumah (sacred food reserved for Kohanim). The Torah outlines specific rules about who in a Kohen's household is permitted to eat terumah, including purchased servants and those born into his household.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Vayikra 22:11) clarifies that the phrase "כִּי־יִקְנֶה נֶפֶשׁ" ("if a priest buy any person") refers to a non-Jewish servant purchased by a Kohen. Such a servant, after undergoing circumcision and immersion (if male), becomes like a member of the Kohen's household and is permitted to eat terumah. Rashi emphasizes that this applies only if the servant is fully subservient to the Kohen and not an independent hired worker.
Rambam's Halachic Perspective
Rambam (Hilchos Terumos 6:6) rules that a servant purchased by a Kohen may eat terumah only after fulfilling the mitzvah of circumcision (for males) and immersion. This aligns with the principle that such a servant becomes like a member of the Jewish people in certain respects. Rambam further states that this applies even if the servant is later sold to a Yisrael—they retain their status regarding terumah consumption until they are emancipated.
Talmudic Discussion
The Gemara (Yevamos 70a) discusses the status of a servant in a Kohen's household, deriving from this verse that their ability to eat terumah is contingent on their subjugation to the Kohen. The Talmud also notes that this privilege does not extend to a servant who is hired temporarily (sekirut), as they are not considered part of the household.
Midrashic Insight
The Toras Kohanim (a halachic Midrash on Vayikra) elaborates that the phrase "וִילִיד בֵּיתוֹ" ("he that is born in his house") includes not only the servant's children but also any offspring of the Kohen's animals, teaching that the sanctity of the Kohen's household extends to all under his ownership. This reinforces the idea that the Kohen's domain is uniquely sanctified.
Key Halachic Points