Bechoros 24b

בכורות כ״ד ע״ב

Bekhorot 24b

Learn Bechoros 24b step by step: Aramaic beside English, every question, answer and proof colour-coded.

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Topic

אחאי בריבי's question about a pig-like animal following a ewe, then plucking hair from a בכור's neck before slaughter and whether it is allowed on יום טוב

Overview

The amud opens with אחאי בריבי's question about a pig-like animal seen trailing after a ewe. The גמרא explains that he is not just asking whether we follow רבן שמעון בן גמליאל or רבנן, because a plain lamb would raise that. Instead, he asks a new question inside each opinion: בכורה according to רבנן, and whether the animal may be eaten according to רבן שמעון בן גמליאל. Both depend on whether a mother animal shows 'mercy' to young of another species, and the question ends in תיקו. A new משנה follows. There, רבי יוסי בן המשולם allows plucking hair from a בכור's neck to clear room for slaughter, or to check a blemish, as long as the hair stays in place. רב rules like him, and students ask רב הונא whether the same plucking is allowed when slaughtering on יום טוב. After confirming רב's ruling through רב חננאל, רב הונא says it is permitted. A second report in רב's name about the same case begins and continues on the next amud.

Opening lines

The steps (15)

1. QuestionA pig-like animal following a ewe
2. QuestionWhat exactly is he asking?
3. ChallengeIf it were only about whom we follow, ask about a lamb
4. ResolutionTwo questions, one for each opinion
5. QuestionThe בכורה question according to רבנן
6. QuestionThe eating question according to רבן שמעון בן גמליאל
7. ConclusionThe question stays unresolved
8. StatementClearing hair from a firstborn's neck before slaughter
9. Statementרב rules like רבי יוסי בן המשולם
10. QuestionDoes the same apply on a festival? First possibility
11. QuestionSecond possibility: an unintended act
12. Statementרב הונא sends them to check רב's ruling
13. Responseרב חננאל confirms רב's ruling
14. Responseרב הונא rules: allowed on a festival
15. ProofAnother report in רב's name begins