The Evolving Law of the Firstborn By Kristine Garroway Parashat B’midbar reminds us of YHVH’s claim to the firstborn, the b’chor (Numbers 3:13). Our parashah, however, is neither the first nor is it the last place the offering of the b’chor is mentioned. Exodus describes the offering of a b’chor in great detail. Exodus 13:1–2 states that the first issue of every womb, human and animal alike, is to be consecrated (for an offering) to the Eternal. Later in Exodus, we are told that the first yield of the vats, along with the firstborn sons and animals, shall be a part of the b’chor offering to the Eternal (Exodus 22:28–29). Accordingly, the Eternal shall [...]
