Monetary or physical gifts feature in a variety of contexts in Jewish sources. The Torah instructs Israelites to give donations of goods to the Temple and donations of produce and crops to priests and the needy. Giving gifts is also associated with holidays: The biblical book of Esther describes an exchange of gifts on the holiday of Purim. Later rabbinic sources also discuss the the giving of gifts as a way to fulfill the obligation to rejoice on the holidays.
The Hebrew term "mishloach manot" literally means "a delivery of portions," and sending them is one of the four mitzvot (commandments) of the holiday of Purim. One sends portions of choice foods to their friends on Purim, often in the form of gift baskets or bags of goodies, to contribute to the Purim seudah, or feast, another of the four mitzvot of the day.
The redemption of captives is a topic discussed throughout rabbinic literature. Instances of redeeming captives are found in the Bible, for example when Abraham goes to war with four kings in order to save his captured nephew, Lot. While sources stress the importance of redeeming captives, calling it a "great mitzvah," other texts warn not to redeem captives for more than their value.
The Hebrew word for ritual sacrifice is “korban,” or that which is brought near — to be offered to God. The Torah, mainly in the book of Leviticus, describes different kinds of offerings for different occasions and circumstances, and the ancient rabbis discuss sacrifices in detail in the fifth order of the Mishnah, Kodashim and later in the Talmud. Among the many kinds of sacrifices are those given in regular service to God, for giving thanks, to atone for sin, on the occasion of presenting oneself at the Temple in Jerusalem, for holidays, and more.
The commandment of sending away the mother bird from the nest.
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