Daf 17 — Bechoros 17 Summary

Bechoros 17 – Good Morning Raboisai 1 ⃣ Tzon Barzel – Who Really Owns the Sheep? The Daf continues the Mishnah's case of Tzon Barzel: ● A non-Jew gives sheep to a Yisrael. ● Their value is fixed. ● The Yisrael looks after them and shares the profits. ● Eventually he must repay the agreed value. The Mishnah says the relevant offspring are exempt from Bechor because the non-Jew still has a financial interest in the animals. 17_transcript 👉 This shows that for Bechor, the non-Jew's continuing claim is enough that the animal is not considered completely “B'Yisrael.” 2 ⃣ But What About Ribbis? The Gemara challenges this from Tzon Barzel between two Yisraelim. Such an arrangement can be forbidden because of: ● Ribbis. If the original owner still completely owned the sheep, why would this be considered a loan with Ribbis? 👉 This seems to indicate that responsibility has transferred to the person receiving the sheep. So how can our Mishnah treat the non-Jew as still having ownership? 3 ⃣ Abaye – Who Accepts the Risk? Abaye initially distinguishes between the cases based on responsibility for: ● Ones – accidental loss. ● Zol – depreciation in value. If the original owner remains responsible for these losses: ● His ownership is stronger. But the Gemara challenges this because: ● Both cases are described simply as Tzon Barzel, ● Without mentioning such a distinction. 4 ⃣ The Non-Jew Can Collect from the Offspring The Gemara gives a different explanation. Suppose the Yisrael cannot repay the non-Jew. The non-Jew can potentially: ● Collect from the animals or their offspring. 👉 That continuing financial claim gives the non-Jew enough of a connection to the flock to affect: ● Bechor. The Torah requires Bechor to be fully: ● B'Yisrael. How Many Generations Are Exempt? 5 ⃣ Understanding “Vlados” The Mishnah discusses: ● The offspring, ● The offspring of the offspring, ● And later generations. The terminology becomes important because “Vlados are exempt” can refer to: ● The next generation's offspring, rather than simply the immediate animal itself. 👉 The Gemara carefully works out how many generations remain connected to the non-Jew's original financial claim. 6 ⃣ Rav Huna and Rav Yehudah Rav Huna limits how far the exemption continues. Rav Yehudah extends the exemption: ● For an additional generation. The Gemara analyzes the wording of the Mishnah to determine: ● Which generations remain exempt, ● And when Bechor begins to apply again. 7 ⃣ Replacing the Original Sheep with Their Offspring The Mishnah also discusses a case where the arrangement changes. Instead of the original Tzon Barzel being security for the debt: ● Their offspring are placed in their stead. 👉 The generations are effectively pushed forward. The non-Jew's financial connection now continues: ● Further down the family line. 8 ⃣ Even Ten Generations The Mishnah discusses the possibility of the arrangement continuing: ● Even for ten generations. As long as the non-Jew retains a real claim against those animals: ● His ownership interest continues to affect Bechor. Once that financial connection ends: ● The normal law of Bechor applies. Nidmeh 9 ⃣ A Sheep That Looks Like a Goat The Gemara returns to the Sugya of: ● Nidmeh. This is where: ● A sheep gives birth to something resembling a goat, ● Or a goat gives birth to something resembling a sheep. 👉 The question is whether we follow: ● The actual species of the mother, ● The appearance of the offspring, ● Or its family line. 🔟 A Later Generation Returns to Normal The Gemara discusses a case where: ● The original offspring was a Nidmeh, ● But a later generation again looks like the proper species. For example: ● A sheep produces an offspring resembling a goat, ● And a later offspring again resembles a sheep. The question is: ● Do we follow the immediate mother? ● Or do we trace the unusual status back through the earlier generation? 1 ⃣ 1 ⃣ Rav Ashi – Simanim of the Mother Rav Ashi explains that the animal may be obligated in Bechor when: ● It retains recognizable characteristics of its mother's species. 👉 Appearance therefore matters. However, the extent of the resemblance is important: ● A partial resemblance is not necessarily enough. The Gemara connects this with the earlier requirement of: ● Rosh וV'Rubo – the majority must resemble the proper species. Nidmeh and Korbanos 1 ⃣ 2 ⃣ The Sa'ir of Rosh Chodesh Rebbi Yochanan teaches that everyone agrees regarding: ● The Sa'ir of Rosh Chodesh, that it cannot be a Nidmeh. The Pasuk says: ● Echad. 👉 It must be a distinct, proper member of its species. 1 ⃣ 3 ⃣ Nidmeh Is Pasul for All Korbanos The Gemara brings another source showing that the rule is broader: ● A Nidmeh is excluded from Korbanos generally. Therefore: ● An animal whose species has changed in appearance cannot simply be offered on the Mizbeach. This is not limited to: ● The Sa'ir of Rosh Chodesh. Wool of a Nidmeh 1 ⃣ 4 ⃣ Nidmeh Wool and Shaatnez The Gemara discusses wool taken from: ● A Nidmeh. Since this wool is considered changed from ordinary wool: ● Combining it with linen does not create the regular prohibition of Shaatnez. 👉 The Torah's wool-and-linen prohibition requires: ● Proper wool ● And proper flax. 1 ⃣ 5 ⃣ Tzaraas of Clothing The same idea applies to: ● Tzaraas of clothing. The Torah speaks about: ● Wool and linen. Wool from a Nidmeh does not have the normal status required for: ● Tzaraas Begadim. 1 ⃣ 6 ⃣ Wool and Flax Must Be Unchanged The Gemara develops a broader principle: Just as the flax referred to by the Torah is: ● Ordinary, unchanged flax, the wool must also be: ● Ordinary, unchanged wool. 👉 Nidmeh wool has undergone a change in its nature or identity and therefore does not qualify. 1 ⃣ 7 ⃣ Grapes Growing on a Fig Tree Rav Ashi tests this principle with unusual cases. Suppose: ● Grapes somehow grow through or upon a fig tree. Could the resulting wine be used for: ● Nesachim? The Gemara distinguishes this because: ● The grapes may actually acquire a changed smell or character. Similarly, it discusses: ● Flax growing among thorns. But ordinary flax growing among other plants: ● Does not necessarily undergo a meaningful change. Two Firstborn Males 1 ⃣ 8 ⃣ A Sheep Gives Birth to Two Males The Mishnah discusses a sheep that: ● Had never previously given birth, ● And now gives birth to two males. Which one is the Bechor? This introduces the famous question: ● Efshar Letzamtzem. Can two events occur: ● At precisely the same instant? 1 ⃣ 9 ⃣ If Both Were Born Simultaneously According to the opinion that: ● Efshar Letzamtzem, it is possible for both animals to emerge: ● At exactly the same moment. The Torah's wording can therefore allow for a case of: ● Two simultaneous firstborn males. Other opinions maintain that: ● One must have emerged first, ● Even if humans cannot determine which one. 2 ⃣ 0 ⃣ One Goes to the Kohen Where it is uncertain which male is the actual Bechor: ● One animal is given to the Kohen. ● The other remains with the Yisrael. However, the Yisrael cannot simply treat his animal as ordinary Chullin. 👉 It remains a Safek Bechor and must: ● Graze until it develops a Mum. Only then may it be eaten. 2 ⃣ 1 ⃣ Matanos on the Safek When the Yisrael eventually shechts his animal after it develops a Mum: ● The Mishnah discusses whether Matanos must be given. This reflects its unusual position: ● It might have been the true Bechor, ● But it might instead be an ordinary Chullin animal. 2 ⃣ 2 ⃣ One of the Two Dies Suppose two males were born and: ● One dies. Now the Kohen claims: ● “The surviving one is my Bechor.” The Yisrael says: ● “Perhaps the Bechor was the one that died.” Rebbi Akiva applies: ● HaMotzi MeChaveiro Alav HaRaayah. 👉 Since the Kohen wants to take the animal from the Yisrael: ● The burden of proof is on the Kohen. 2 ⃣ 3 ⃣ A Male and Female If the animal gives birth to: ● A male and a female, the Kohen receives nothing. Why? Because: ● The female may have been born first. If so: ● The male is not a Bechor. Without proof otherwise: ● The Kohen cannot collect. Efshar Letzamtzem 2 ⃣ 4 ⃣ Can Two Things Really Be Exactly Equal? The Gemara now examines the principle: ● Efshar Letzamtzem. Can two births or measurements really occur: ● At precisely the same instant or measurement? The discussion distinguishes between: ● Something occurring naturally, ● And something deliberately measured or made by people. 2 ⃣ 5 ⃣ The Chut HaSikra on the Mizbeach The Gemara brings the red line around the Mizbeach: ● Chut HaSikra. Some blood applications were: ● Above the line. Others were: ● Below the line. 👉 How could humans place the line at the exact halfway point of the Mizbeach? The answer discussed is that: ● The line had thickness, allowing the required areas to be distinguished without depending upon an impossibly perfect hairline measurement. 2 ⃣ 6 ⃣ Measurements of the Keilim The Torah gives exact measurements for: ● The Mishkan's Keilim. How could people construct them with perfect mathematical precision? 👉 The Gemara explains that when the Torah commands people to make something: ● They make it according to the Torah's measurements to the best humanly achievable standard. The Torah does not demand: ● An impossible degree of microscopic precision. 2 ⃣ 7 ⃣ A Vessel Split Exactly in Half The Gemara considers a utensil affected by Tumah that is: ● Split into two pieces. Could both pieces be: ● Exactly equal? This becomes another test of: ● Whether exact human or natural division is possible. The practical reality of uneven surfaces and tiny differences complicates: ● Perfect Tzimtzum. 2 ⃣ 8 ⃣ A Body Exactly Between Two Cities Finally, the Gemara discusses: ● Eglah Arufah. If a murdered person is found: ● Exactly between two cities, which city brings the Eglah Arufah? The possibility of both cities being exactly equal in distance again depends on: ● Efshar Letzamtzem. 👉 This brings the Daf back to the central question: Can two measurements truly be: ● Exactly equal? 📌 Key Chazarah ● Tzon Barzel from a non-Jew can remain exempt from Bechor because the non-Jew retains a financial claim in the animals. ● The Gemara compares this with Tzon Barzel between Jews and the problem of Ribbis. ● The exemption from Bechor can continue through later generations while the non-Jew's financial interest remains. ● Nidmeh is an animal whose appearance differs from its mother's species. ● The Gemara discusses whether a later generation that returns to the normal appearance is considered regular again. ● A Nidmeh is Pasul for Korbanos. ● Nidmeh wool does not have the normal status of wool for Shaatnez or Tzaraas Begadim. ● The Gemara discusses whether physical change affects the identity of wool, flax and other items. ● Two male firstborns lead into the Machlokes of Efshar Letzamtzem. ● A Safek Bechor kept by the Yisrael must wait until it develops a Mum before being eaten. ● HaMotzi MeChaveiro Alav HaRaayah places the burden of proof on the Kohen when ownership is uncertain. ● If a male and female are born and it is uncertain which came first, the Kohen receives nothing. ● The Gemara tests Efshar Letzamtzem from the Chut HaSikra, measurements of the Keilim, splitting objects exactly in half, and Eglah Arufah. 📘 Catch up, review, download previous Dafim & more: https://www.dafchazarah.co.uk 📲 Now available as an app (Apple, Google & Amazon): https://dafchazarah.co.uk/download 🤝 Sponsor a day: https://dafchazarah.co.uk/sponsor לעילוי נשמת אמי מורתי רות בת הרב מנחם מנדל