pidyon

Pidyon, in Hebrew meaning redemption, commonly refers to pidyon haben, the redemption of the firstborn son in Jewish law. The ritual arises from biblical texts that designate the firstborn of Israel as belonging to God and establish that, while the Levites are set aside for temple service, the firstborn of other Israelites must be redeemed through a Kohen. The practice is traditionally limited to the firstborn male child of a Jewish mother who is not from the tribe of Levi; if the child is a Levi or a Kohen, no pidyon is required.

Practically, pidyon haben is performed when the child is about 30 days old. The father selects a Kohen and presents him with five silver shekels as the redemption payment. The ceremony is typically conducted with witnesses and may take place in a synagogue or home. The father recites a declaration identifying the child as the firstborn and noting that the child is redeemed; the Kohen accepts the coins and the child is considered redeemed. The monetary value is traditionally five silver coins, the exact modern value varying with the current coinage and market rates for silver.

Today, pidyon haben is observed by many Orthodox and some Conservative communities, often with variations in practice and setting. It is not universally observed across all Jewish communities, and some individuals may choose not to perform it. The ritual remains a well-established and symbolic mitzvah within traditional Jewish law, reflecting the ongoing connection between birth, temple service, and generations.