Apr. 26th, 2012

cellio: (talmud)
A nazarite takes a vow for a period of time and, at the end, brings offerings. The mishna teaches: if one set aside money for his nazarite offerings it cannot be used for other purposes, but the law of misappropriation does not apply. If he died first and the money was unspecified (that is, which coins were designated for which purpose) it goes to a special fund. If the money was specifically designated, then the following things happen to it: the money for a burnt-offering is used for a burnt-offering (which goes wholly to God); the money for a peace-offering is used for a peace-offering that must be eaten within a day; and the money for a sin-offering (which no longer applies) is cast into the Dead Sea (that is, the coins are destroyed). (11a)

Someone asked me this morning if any coins have been found in the Dead Sea. I have no idea. I wonder whether, at least for gold, anything would be left after all that time and considering the properties of that sea.

Edit: I just asked a related question about how this was managed over on Mi Yodeya (aka Jewish Life and Learning).

Expand Cut Tags

No cut tags