Chullin 21b

חולין כ״א ע״ב

Learn Chullin 21b step by step: Aramaic beside English, every question, answer and proof colour-coded.

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Topic

How the עולת העוף (bird burnt offering) is brought: what it learns from other offerings, and how its מליקה (pinching) is done

Overview

A ברייתא works out the rules for the עולת העוף, the bird burnt offering. First it compares it to an animal חטאת. Like that offering, the bird must come from חולין, be brought by day, and be done with the כהן's right hand. Then it stops the comparison from going too far. An animal is valid with most of two סימנים cut, but the bird's head must be fully separated, which is learned from 'ומלק והקטיר'. Next, רבי ישמעאל learns from 'כמשפט' that the עולת העוף is pinched at the back of the neck, like the חטאת העוף. The חטאת העוף leaves one סימן uncut, but 'והקריבו' teaches that the עולת העוף does not. Finally, רבי אלעזר ברבי שמעון begins his own reading of 'כמשפט' as pointing to the חטאת העוף, and his comparison continues on the next amud.

Opening lines

The steps (7)

1. StatementBird burnt offering follows the basic rules of an animal sin offering
2. ChallengeShould the bird also be valid with most of two signs cut?
3. ResolutionThe head must be fully separated, as it is when burned
4. Statementרבי ישמעאל: pinched at the back of the neck, like a bird sin offering
5. ChallengeShould the bird burnt offering also leave one sign uncut?
6. ResolutionThe word 'and he shall bring it' limits the comparison
7. StatementAnother תנא reads 'like the law' as 'like the bird sin offering'