Zevachim 86: Legs Falling From the Fire

The rabbis consider whether the bones, tendons, hoofs, etc. of an animal about to be sacrificed (of the holiest order) may be removed before the sprinkling of its blood.  They consider the act itself and the timing of the act.  They consider the intention - which is complicated.  One may intend to sacrifice "the whole" of the animal, as directed, but without the items that should not be burned because they cannot be consumed completely by the fire.

A new Mishna teaches that the disqualified offerings which are not taken from the alter should not be restored to the altar.  Similarly embers that leave should not be returned to the altar. Limbs can be returned to the altar if they fall from it before midnight.  After midnight, the priest does not restore them nor is he liable for misusing them.  One is not liable for misuse of consecrated property after it has fulfilled its designated purpose.  Unfit items do not descend.  Just like the altar sanctifies items suited to it, and the ramp sanctifies items suited to it, the service vessels sanctify items that are placed in them.

The Gemara considers:

• whether it matters that all of the flesh be consumed by the fire when the leg falls from the altar
• how this should combine with the timing of removing the ashes
• whether timing matters (before /after midnight)
• whether Yom Kipur changes these expectations

At the very end of our daf, the rabbis ask about a limb that falls from the altar, is returned after midnight, but has not been consumed by midnight.  Rabba says that it should be considered consumed by the following midnight.  Rav Chisda says that it has been consumed by dawn.  Both say that if they fall from the altar a second time, they are not returned.  We will learn about the rabbis who agree with each of these Sages in tomorrow's daf.