Venue: Cong. Adat Yeshurun (La Jolla, CA) Cong. Adat Yeshurun (La Jolla, CA)

Machshava:

Pesach,  Shabbat,  Yom Tov 

Parsha:

Bo,  Re'eh 

Collections: Leaving Mitzrayim

Description

This class explores the mitzvah of sanctifying firstborn kosher animals and its surprising relevance today. After outlining the Torah sources in Parshat Bo and the rulings of the Rambam and Shulchan Aruch, the shiur explains why, in practice, we actively avoid fulfilling this mitzvah through partnerships with non-Jews. Along the way, it examines core halachic concepts such as inherent kedushah, mum (blemishes), halachic expertise, and public policy in halacha. The class then broadens into a powerful reflection on Yetzias Mitzrayim, hakarat hatov, Jewish continuity, and why firstborn status follows the mother, illuminating the deeper meaning of nationhood and identity.