Redemption of the Firstborn A ceremony for the firstborn son that symbolically relieves him from service in the priesthood because the Jew of priestly descent, the descendent of Aharon, was given the responsibility in his stead

The ceremony, a month after birth, through which the firstborn son is “redeemed” from Temple service. When the Temple stood in Jerusalem, the eldest son of the family was expected to serve there. If his family did not want to give him for service, he was redeemed monetarily. Today, when there is no Temple, a symbolic gift of coins is given to the Cohen to symbolize the childâ€(tm)s “redemption.” Some families now perform this ceremony for firstborn daughters as well.

The redemption of the firstborn. A ceremony performed by a Cohen, that relieves a firstborn male from his ancient obligation to serve in the Temple.

Heb. (redemption of the first son) Ritual ceremony for the first-born son of a mother other than of the tribes of Kohen or Levites (two of the twelve tribes) who must be dedicated to the service of God or bought back by the father on the thirty-first day after birth.

(PEED-yohn ha-BEN) n. “Redemption of the (firstborn) son.” The ceremony of redeeming the firstborn, 31st day after the birth (Ex. 13:13; Num. 18:16). When the son has established a claim to viability, the father is obligated to "redeem" him by giving five "shekalim" to a Kohen. This ritual symbolically relieves the child from service in the priesthood because Jews who are descendents of Aaron were given the responsibility in his place (Numbers 3:12-14).

Redeeming of the Son (first born) To: E F I J U V W X

Redemption of the first born son from the Temple priests, the Kohanim to whom all first fruits are dedicated. He is redeemed for five shekels on the 30th day of his life at a home ceremony.