3,686. The Source of Redeeming Donkeys

Rabbi Jack Abramowitz

Hilchos Bikkurim 12:2

The sheep used to redeem a donkey is given to a kohein, as per Numbers 18:15: “All first issues of the womb....”

Hilchos Bikkurim 12:3

The verse above continues, “and the firstborn of an unclean animal you shall redeem.” The unclean animal in the verse is specifically a donkey.

Rabbi Jack Abramowitz, MS Ed., is Torah Content Editor at the Orthodox Union. He is the author of nine books, including The Tzniyus Book, The Taryag Companion, The God Book and Ask Rabbi Jack. His two-volume The Complete Targum Onkelos is available from Kodesh Press as well as on Amazon.