Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Leviticus 27:33 mean?
A: Leviticus 27:33 discusses the laws of tithes (ma'aser) in Jewish tradition. It teaches that when a person designates an animal as a tithe, they cannot inspect it to choose the best or worst, nor can they exchange it. If they do try to exchange it, both the original animal and the substitute become holy and cannot be redeemed (bought back). This emphasizes the importance of honesty and commitment in fulfilling mitzvot (commandments). Rashi explains that this law prevents people from trying to 'upgrade' or 'downgrade' their tithes based on personal benefit.
Q: Why is this verse important in Judaism?
A: This verse is important because it teaches a key principle in Jewish law: once something is sanctified (made holy), it must be treated with respect and cannot be altered for personal convenience. The Talmud (Bechorot 13b) discusses this concept, emphasizing that holiness is not subject to human bargaining. This applies to many areas of Jewish life, including tzedakah (charity), korbanot (offerings), and other sacred obligations.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Leviticus 27:33 today?
A: We learn that commitments to holiness and mitzvot must be kept with sincerity. Just as one cannot exchange a tithed animal after declaring it holy, we should approach our spiritual obligations with seriousness and avoid trying to 'negotiate' with mitzvot based on convenience. The Rambam (Hilchot Ma'aser Sheni 1:1) highlights that this law reinforces trust in Hashem—we give our best without hesitation, knowing that everything belongs to Him.
Q: Does this verse apply to modern-day tithing?
A: While the specific laws of animal tithes apply primarily when the Temple is standing, the principle remains relevant today. For example, when giving ma'aser kesafim (tithing money), one should not withhold the proper amount or try to substitute it with lesser value. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 331) rules that charitable giving should be done wholeheartedly, reflecting the same integrity as in the verse.
Q: What does 'it shall not be redeemed' mean in this verse?
A: The phrase means that once an animal is designated as a tithe (or its improper substitute), it cannot be 'bought back' or exchanged for money or another animal. It retains its holy status and must be used for its intended sacred purpose. The Sifra (a halachic Midrash) explains that this prevents people from treating holy things as ordinary property, reinforcing the idea that kedushah (holiness) is permanent once declared.
Context of the Verse
The verse (Vayikra 27:33) appears in the context of the laws of ma'aser beheimah (tithing of animals), where every tenth animal that passes under the shepherd's rod is sanctified as holy to Hashem. This verse establishes strict guidelines regarding the sanctity of these tithed animals and the prohibition against substituting or redeeming them.
Prohibition of Examination and Substitution
The phrase "לֹא יְבַקֵּר בֵּין־טוֹב לָרַע" ("He shall not search whether it be good or bad") is interpreted by Rashi to mean that the owner may not examine the animals to select the best or worst for the tithe. The selection must be made indiscriminately as the animals pass under the rod, as derived from the earlier verse (Vayikra 27:32). Rambam (Hilchos Issurei Mizbe'ach 4:12) elaborates that this prevents favoritism, ensuring the sanctity of the tithe is upheld without human interference.
Prohibition of Substitution (Temurah)
The verse continues: "וְלֹא יְמִירֶנּוּ" ("neither shall he change it"), which Rashi explains as a prohibition against substituting a sanctified animal with another, even if the substitute is of equal or greater value. This is based on the broader Torah law of temurah (exchange), where any attempt to replace a sanctified animal renders both the original and the substitute holy (as stated later in the verse). The Talmud (Temurah 17b) derives from here that the laws of temurah apply to tithed animals just as they do to sacrificial offerings.
Consequence of Unauthorized Exchange
The verse concludes: "וְאִם־הָמֵר יְמִירֶנּוּ וְהָיָה־הוּא וּתְמוּרָתוֹ יִהְיֶה־קֹדֶשׁ לֹא יִגָּאֵל" ("and if he change it at all, then both it and its substitute shall be holy; it shall not be redeemed"). The Rambam (Hilchos Temurah 1:1) rules that this establishes a fundamental principle: once an exchange is attempted, both animals attain sanctity and cannot be redeemed for mundane use. The Sifra (Emor 22:3) emphasizes that this law applies regardless of intent—whether the substitution was deliberate or accidental.
Practical Halachic Implications