Episode Details

Study Guide

There is a Tannaitic debate regarding whether an heir performs semicha (the laying of hands) on an inherited sacrifice and whether they are subject to the laws of temura (substitution) for such an animal. The Gemara provides scriptural sources for each of these positions.

The Mishna specifies who is exempt from the requirement of semicha and the Gemara brings the reason/derivation for each exemption.

Although semicha is a significant element of the sacrificial service, it is not indispensable; atonement is achieved even if the ritual is omitted.

The Mishna details the location and manner in which semicha must be performed, and the Gemara cites the biblical sources for those details.