Petter Chamor, a commandment that is rarely practiced is being celebrated on Thursday in the community of Itamar in the Samarian mountains, some three miles southeast of Shechem. A male firstborn donkey is redeemed by the owner of the donkey, who gives a lamb or kid to a Cohen to sacrifice, since donkeys are not kosher animals. The lamb is not required to be firstborn.
In Exodus 13:13, the children of Israel are commanded: “And every firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb; and if thou wilt not redeem it, then thou shalt break his neck.”
According to Kipa, the idea to invite the public to the event belongs to David Itzik, owner of the “Rural Spot” in Itamar, where the firstborn donkey was born.
The Rural Spot was established in 2002 by David Itzik and Yosef Twito, in order to create an alternative educational horizon for youths. Yosef Twito, who was commander of the Itamar readiness squad was killed in 2002 in confrontation with infiltrating terrorists. The Youth Empowerment Center in Itamar, which commemorates his name, offers workshops on a variety of topics, “from herding sheep to becoming a master chef.”
David Itzik said in a statement: “We are thrilled by the privilege of fulfilling this special mitzvah, which for the first time will also be social: anyone who wants to can be a true partner in the mitzvah. The priest who will run the redemption is a former resident of Itamar and very dear to our hearts. Anyone who wants to come is welcome.”
The event will begin after Mincha, which will take place at 16:00 at the spot.
Directions to the Rural Spot in Itamar from Jerusalem.
Directions to the Rural Spot in Itamar from Tel Aviv.