The rabbis discuss the fact that sometimes different animals mate successfully and sometimes they miscarry or their babies are born stillborn. The koy, a chayya or hehema, or a unique creature has not definite English translations. Especially in Massekhet Bikkurim, the rabbis use the koy as an example a cross between a wild animal and a domesticated animal. Thus it could be a test case for many different halachot. Steinsaltz teaches that the debate around its identification began around the time of the Mishna. Some Sages believed that a koy was the cross between a deer or similar animal with a goat while others argued that a koy was a unique animal, an Ayal ha-bar.
I began Daf Yomi (Koren translation) in August of 2012 with the help of an online group that is now defunct. This blog is intended to help me structure and focus my thoughts as I grapple with the text. I am happy to connect with others who are interested in the social and halachic implications of our oral tradition. Respectful input is welcome.
Monday, 29 April 2019
Bechorot 12: What Can/not be Exchanged for a Donkey for a Priest?
Shemot (13:13) has taught us tat a first born donkey is exchanged for a lamb that is then given to a priest. Today's Mishna teaches that a lamb or a kid are appropriate for this exchange. However, a car or an undomesticated animal cannot be used. As well, a hybrid (cross between two species regarding chromosomes) or a koy cannot be used for this exchange.
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