Laws of Suspicion and Chaverus
Laws of Suspicion
Suspicion about Bechoros
If someone is suspected of improperly handling Bechoros (firstborn animals), specific restrictions apply to buying from them:
- Forbidden: Deer meat (due to its resemblance to calf meat), untanned skins, cleaned or dirty wool.
- Permitted: Tanned skins (as the suspect would likely not invest effort in tanning if it were truly a Bechor), skins of female animals (as their gender is evident), spun thread, and garments (including felt garments, which are not made from thread).
Suspicion about Shemitah
If someone is suspected of violating Shemitah (the Sabbatical year) laws, restrictions apply to buying from them:
- Forbidden: Flax, even if combed.
- Permitted: Spun thread, woven material (Arig), and chains made from unspun flax.
Suspicion about Terumah
Opinions differ on restrictions for someone suspected of selling Terumah (priestly gifts) as Chulin (ordinary food):
- R. Yehudah: Forbids buying anything, even water or salt.
- R. Shimon: Forbids only items to which Terumah applies, such as fish innards (often mixed with olive oil, which is subject to Terumah).
Extrapolation of Suspicion
The Mishnah discusses whether suspicion in one area extends to others:
- Someone suspected of violating Shemitah or Ma’aser (tithes) is also suspected regarding Taharos (ritual purity laws).
- Someone can be suspected about Taharos but not necessarily about Shemitah or Ma’aser.
Chaverus
Definition and Acceptance
A Chaver is a person who meticulously observes certain religious practices, particularly those related to tithes and ritual purity. Acceptance into Chaverus involves demonstrating adherence to these practices and formally accepting them before three established Chaverim.
Levels of Stringency
- Beis Shamai: Requires 30 days of observation for Tum’ah (impurity) of liquids and 12 months for garments.
- Beis Hillel: Requires 30 days for both.
Children and Household
Opinions differ on whether the children and household of a Chaver automatically inherit Chaverus status or require separate acceptance.
Repentance and Loss of Status
The possibility of repentance and regaining Chaverus status after violating its principles is debated, with varying opinions on the conditions for reacceptance.
Selling Pesulei Ha’Mukdashim
General Rules
Pesulei ha’Mukdashim (animals disqualified from sacrifice) may generally be slaughtered and sold in the marketplace, except for Bechoros and Ma’aser Behemah (tithe of animals), as the proceeds belong to the owner rather than the Temple.
Ma’aser Behemah
Selling Ma’aser Behemah is generally forbidden, but exceptions exist for orphans or through specific methods like Havla’ah (selling together with other items for a combined price).
Bechoros
Bechoros may be sold, but inviting non-Kohanim to eat them is subject to debate among different schools of thought.