Me’ila 2: Prohibitions Against Deriving Benefit from Consecrated Objects Are Rabbinical

Today begins Massechet Me'ila, which is based on the prohibitions against deriving forbidden benefit from a consecrated object.  We learn that this also applies to kodashei HaShem, things that have been made holy (Vayikra 5:15-16), including sacrifices, meal offerings, things that are exchanged for money that is used to uphold the Temple.  

The first Mishna teaches us that when a sacrifice becomes disqualified before its blood is sprinkled on the altar, the animal remains holy and the laws of me'ila continue to apply to it.  For example, we are told that we cannot derive benefit from the kodashei kodashim, consecrated offerings like sin or guilt offerings, if they were slaughtered in the wrong part of the Temple courtyard (the south rather that the north as required).

The Gemara suggests that a case like this we use the laws of me’ila on a rabbinic level and not a Torah level.  The rabbis compare this case with one where Rabbi Yochanan is quoted by Ulla: the laws of me'ila do not apply on a Torah level, but the rabbis decree that they are valid on a rabbinic level.

We are reminded that there is a principle regarding rabbinic decrees if they are enacted in common situations: it is not necessary to create decrees that apply only in unusual situations.  The Perush Kadmon tells us that even though it would be unusual for the animal discussed above to be slaughtered in the wrong area of the Temple courtyard, the Sages enact the decree because of the importance of consecrated objects - and of course, the rabbis would not want anyone to derive benefit from them.