Kiddushin 54: Desacralized Objects in Kiddushin

The rabbi continue to explore whether or not a priest can use a once-sacred item for the purposes of betrothal.  They begin by speaking about the priestly tunic.  The tunic is made of one piece of fabric that is skillfully fitted to a priest's body.  The arms are also created of one piece of fabric each, and they are sewn on to the tunic.  Of course, a tunic is sacred.  But what happens when the tunic wears out?  Ordinary priests' tunics are used to make wicks for the sacred candles used in the Temple.  Could a priest give his worn-out tunic to his betrothed?  Would that count as misusing a sacred item, or would the tunic be desacralized when not in active use?

The rabbis speak about past determinations about the sacred nature of the tunic.  While it is certainly sacred, it cannot be worn only when performing ritual tasks. To get in and out of the tunic takes effort.  Thus the tunic is already desacralized when the priest hands the tunic to his betrothed.  The rabbi reason that "the Torah was not given to the ministering angels," meaning that as human beings we have to allow ourselves to be human - for example, to get dressed before and after a sacred ceremony.

The rabbis then wonder if the city of Jerusalem itself is holy.  When people say about an object, "it is Jerusalem," are the referring to the sacred nature of the city and the item?

The Gemara walks us through an argument.  Some rabbis believe that a consecrated item used intentionally by a priest is automatically desacralized.  Others believe that consecrated items used unwittingly by a priest are desacralized only if the action is unintentional and has to do with eating.  The Gemara goes on to discuss other sacred or designated items that are either gifts or like gifts.  The rabbis discuss the second tithe, fourth year vineyards and other related food items that might be given away.  They also speak about fruit that is on the vine, detached from the vine, and connected to the vine (as flowers or buds).  

Clearly the rabbis are walking through every possible scenario that they can think of that might inform them about how to understand the halachot of kiddushin.  As interesting as a detailed discussion might be, the minutae can be tedious.