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Question
What is the pidyon haben ceremony given in honor of first-born baby boys?
Answer
A "Pid-yon Ha-Ben" means literally "redemption of the [first-born] son." In
ancient days, the first-born was dedicated to the priesthood. The Pid-yon Ha-Ben
ceremony, held on the 30th day or as closely thereafter from the birth, gathers
the family together to "redeem" the son from a "kohen." Five silver coins, equal
in amount to five shekels, are given symbolically or as charity to the Kohen.
The father, mother, kohen and grandparents can read different parts in the ceremony.
Best Wishes,
Rabbi Barry Dov Lerner
Foundation
for Family Education (FFFE)
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