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How much money is used to redeem the firstborn in a Pidyon Haben ceremony?

by Rabbi Naftali Silberberg

The Torah says the child must be redeemed for five selaim, a silver coin of ancient times. Five selaim equal approximately 100 grams of silver. Today it is acceptable to use six US silver dollars.1

Although it is customary to use silver coins, technically this amount may be given to the Kohen in silver or the equivalent thereof.2

Footnotes

  • 1. If using US currency that was minted before 1935 -- and have a higher silver content -- five dollars are sufficient.
  • 2. Real estate, checks, paper currency and a promissory note of debt are not acceptable.

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Mitzvot » Pidyon Haben

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