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Challah 4:9-10

Challah 4:9

The following things may be given to any kohein (i.e., even to one who is unlearned, according to some authorities): dedicated property; first-born domestic animals; the money for redeeming a son; the sheep exchanged for a first-born donkey; the shoulder, cheeks and abomasum (one of the stomachs) of chullin (non-sacrificial animals); the first wool of shearing; unclean terumah oil that must be burned; sacrifices that must be eaten on the Temple grounds; first fruits. Rabbi Yehudah excludes first fruits from this list. When it comes to terumah of vicia, normally used as animal fodder but fit for human consumption if necessary, Rabbi Akiva permits them to be given to any kohein but the Sages prohibit it.

Challah 4:10

Nitai from Tekoa once brought challah to Israel from Beitar but it was not accepted (because challah may not be brought in from outside Israel). The people of Alexandria brought challah with them from Alexandria and they were likewise not accepted. The people of Mount Tz’voim brought first fruits before Shavuos and they were not accepted because the Torah says, “The harvest feast (i.e., Shavuos), the first fruits of your labors that you plant in the field” (Exodus 23:16 – i.e., first fruits may not be brought before Shavuos).

Author: Rabbi Jack Abramowitz