daf bit: Meilah 2

[cellio]

Today's daf is Meilah 4, which is in the middle of a long discussion of the first mishna. Rather than trying to jump straight into 4, I'm going to start with an overview, with many thanks to meirbg for explaining this in dafyomi.

Meilah means misappropriation of Temple property for one's own benefit. For example, if one derives benefit from a burnt offering, which is wholly consumed on the altar, he is culpable. (There is a minimum value before this applies.) One who is guilty has to repay plus a fifth (as for other property transgressions), and also bring a guilt-offering if the act was unintentional.

The mishna begins by describing certain cases of performing the sacrificial ritual incorrectly, rendering the offering invalid. This kind of error is a case of misappropriation, for the animal can no longer be used for the purpose for which it was brought. So even priests with the best of intentions can transgress this if they're not careful. (2a)

Comments

[talvinamarich.livejournal.com]

Why is the penalty *greater* if the act was unintentional?

(I have a thought, but I want to hear from the experts first.)

[cellio]

The guilt-offering effects atonement for unintentional sins. An intentional sin, being intentional, is handled differently (off hand I don't know how). In either case, though, he owes the same financial reparations.