daf bit: Zevachim 71

Once an animal (or produce) has been designated for an offering, it cannot be used for any other purpose. The mishna on today's daf discusses at some length the problems that arise if a designated animal is accidentally mixed up with other animals so it is no longer known which is which. One of the solutions offered: if two animals both designated for the same kind of offering, then both are offered with the designation "for the sake of its owner" -- God will know who owns the animal and credit him accordingly. Another: if a designated animal is mixed with ordinary unblemished animals (that is, ones that could be designated for that purpose), the ordinary animals must be sold to people who owe the same kind of offering so that all can be offered for that purpose. (71b)

I'm not certain how the second case works, given that you don't know that you aren't accidentally selling the animal that was already designated. Maybe it reduces to the first case: all of these animals have now been properly bought and designated, and we don't allocate them specifically among owners?

RIP Caitlin

I met Caitlin sometime in the late 80s or early 90s when I was traveling a lot in the East Kingdom. She was graceful and kind and more than competent, and I always enjoyed conversations with her. I wish I had had more chances to sit and chat with her; it was always time well spent. The world is a little darker without msmemory in it.

I find I have no other words right now, other than those about the unfairness of it all.