445. Citywide: The prohibition against kohanim eating firstborn animals outside Jerusalem

As we discussed way back in Mitzvah #18, the firstborn cattle, sheep and goats were given to the kohanim as one of their special gifts. Our mitzvah here prohibits them from eating these firstborn animals outside Jerusalem - and non-kohanim may not eat from them at all!

The firstborn animal is of a category of sacrifice called "kodshim kalim," "of a lighter degree of sanctity." Other things in this category include the korban Pesach and animals of tithes. All of these are in the same metaphorical boat in that they may be eaten outside the Temple but only within Jerusalem.

This mitzvah applies in all times and places. It is discussed in the Talmud in tractate Makkos (17a-b). It is codified in the Mishneh Torah in the first chapter of Hilchos Bechoros. This mitzvah is #144 of the 365 negative mitzvos in the Rambam’s Sefer HaMitzvos. It is not listed in the Sefer HaMitzvos HaKatzar of the Chofetz Chaim.