Mishnah Meilah 2:3-4

Sugya Map

• Issue: Defining the precise moment Meilah liability ceases for various korbanot, particularly those burned entirely.
• Nafka Mina: The duration of Meilah liability and its interaction with other prohibitions like Piggul, Notar, and Tamei.
• Primary Sources: Mishnah Meilah 2:3-4.

Text Snapshot

Mishnah Meilah 2:3 states concerning Parim ha'Nisrafim (bulls that are burned): "ומועלין בהן בבית הדשן עד שיותך הבשר."^Mishnah Meilah 2:3:1. This contrasts sharply with Olat ha'Of (bird burnt offering), for which Meilah lasts "עד שיצא לבית הדשן."^Mishnah Meilah 2:3:1. The specific verbal root י-ת-ך (to melt/scorch) for Parim Nisrafim is a key dikduk point.

Readings

Rambam's Definition of "שיותך"

Rambam clarifies "שיותך" as "שיעשה הבשר חלול ויתהפכו חלקיו באש עד שידמה לספוג הים" — the flesh becomes hollow, its parts turning in the fire until it resembles a sea sponge, indicating complete incineration.^Rambam, Mishnah Meilah 2:3:1 s.v. פרים הנשרפים.

Tosafot Yom Tov on Textual Nuance

Tosafot Yom Tov notes a textual variant, "שיתוך" (with a vav after the tav), and raises a kushya regarding Terumat ha'Deshen, where Meilah persists even after the mitzvah is completed, challenging a general rule that Meilah ceases upon mitzvah fulfillment.^Tosafot Yom Tov, Mishnah Meilah 2:3:2 s.v. עד שיותך הבשר.

Friction

The "שיותך" Conundrum

Kushya: Why does the Mishnah prescribe the highly specific physical state of "שיותך הבשר" for Parim ha'Nisrafim to end Meilah, while for Olat ha'Of and Olah, a more general "עד שיצא לבית הדשן" suffices? Terutz: Mishnat Eretz Yisrael suggests that due to the immense size of Parim ha'Nisrafim, their burning is protracted and occurs outside the Temple in the Beit ha'Deshen ha'Gadol. The bird offering, being small, burns quickly on the mizbe'ach. Thus, for the Parim, Meilah continues until the flesh is utterly destroyed and valueless ("חסר ערך"), reflecting its prolonged process of total consumption.^Mishnat Eretz Yisrael, Mishnah Meilah 2:3:1-7 s.v. ומועלין בהן בבית הדשן.

Intertext

The unique terminology "שיותך" appears in the Gemara in discussions of Parim ha'Nisrafim, underscoring its specific application to these offerings.^Zevachim 35b, 104b. Tosefta Yoma 3:6 (cited by ME"Y) even debates the very location of burning Parim ha'Nisrafim, highlighting their exceptional treatment.

Psak/Practice

The halacha of Meilah on Parim ha'Nisrafim establishes that for korbanot entirely consumed by fire, kedusha persists until the item is physically obliterated and loses all intrinsic value, even within the designated place of destruction. This contrasts with korbanot that permit consumption by kohanim, where Meilah ceases once the blood is sprinkled.

Takeaway

The Mishnah's nuanced distinctions in Meilah duration underscore the kedusha inherent in sacrificial objects until their complete, intended disposition, reflecting their varying physical properties and modes of kapparah.