Pisqa’ 2061
1
“After the city closest to the murder victim has been determined” (Dt.21:3).
This refers to the nearest among the near.
On this basis they taught:
If the murder victim is found
exactly between two cities,
each of them brings two calves
[one for itself and one for its neighbor].
But sages say:
One city brings one calf,
and two cities do not bring two calves.2
But residents of Jerusalem are
under no obligation to bring a Beheaded-calf for the rite
[because Jerusalem falls within no tribal inheritance].3
2
“Then, the elders of that city shall purchase” (Dt.21:3)—
but not the elders of Jerusalem.
“A calf of the herd” (Dt.21:3).
R. Eliezer says:
A calf qualifies [for the rite] in its first year,
While a heifer qualifies [for the rite of the Red Heifer4] in its second.
But sages say:
A calf qualifies in its second year,
While a heifer qualifies in its third or fourth.5
Another word:
“A calf of the herd” (Dt.21:3)—
one that has two distinguishing traits.
And what might these be?
It must be two years old,
And it must be a calf6 of the herd.
Another word:
Rinsing the hands is the task of elders (Dt.21:6),
while the absolution is the task of Priests (Dt.21:5-7)7
“Which had never been worked” (Dt.21:3)—
Can this mean any work at all?
How do I know that
this refers to bearing a yoke?
The Teaching states:
“Which has never carried a yoke”8 (Dt.21:3)