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From Beis Moshiach Magazine. A collection of halachos pertaining to the mitzva of Pidyon Haben (redeeming the firstborn son), by Rabbi Braun, Mara D’Asra and member of the Badatz of Crown Heights. 

Delaying a Pidyon To have a Larger Crowd

If the 31st day of a bechor comes out on Erev Shabbos, but it would be much easier and more respectful to do on Sunday morning. Would that be permissible to push off Pidyon Haben to day 33 instead?

This is absolutely forbidden. Every day that passes after the correct time one violates a Mitzvas Aseh.*

Pidyon Haben on Friday Afternoon

Would it be okay to make a Pidyon Haben right before shekiah, and then continue the Seuda into Shabbos like a Purim that falls Erev Shabbos? Or would you advise just to do it earlier in the day and have a Seuda midday with a smaller group?

The Seuda should ideally take place before the tenth halachic hour in the day.

Does there need to be a Minyan present?

There is no requirement to have a Minyan, although it is recommended. Best not to have more than an exact Minyan besides for close relatives and the Kohen. #2952*

Pidyon Haben on Motzoei Shabbos

If a Pidyon Haben falls out on Shabbos, do we do it on Motzoei Shabbos (זריזין מקדימין), or is there a problem to do it at night?

Generally a Pidyon Haben is not done at night. In this case, however, there is a machlokes. L’maaseh, it should be done Sunday morning. #2298*

Can I Do A Pidyon on Behalf of Someone Who Isn’t Interested?

We know a Baal Teshuva who wants to do a Pidyon Haben for a family member who is not interested in it. What is the Din with a Pidyon Haben for an adult who did not have it as a child – can it be done by someone else on his behalf without him being present?

There is a machlokes if it is effective.

Practically speaking, it should be done without a bracha. Shehechayanu should be recited on a new fruit or garment.

The following Nusach should be recited:

פְּלוֹנִי בֶּן פְּלוֹנִי הוּא בְּכוֹר פֶּטֶר רֶחֶם לְאִמּוֹ וְהַקָּדוֹשׁ-בָּרוּךְ-הוּא צִוָּה לִפְדּוֹת אֶת הַבְּכוֹר שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר מִבֶּן חֹדֶשׁ תִּפְדֶּה בְּעֶרְכְּךָ חֲמֵשֶׁת שְׁקָלִים בְּשֶׁקֶל הַקֹּדֶשׁ עֶשְׂרִים גֵּרָה הוּא וְנֶאֱמַר קַדֶּשׁ לִי כָל בְּכוֹר פֶּטֶר כָּל רֶחֶם מִבְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל בָּאָדָם וּבַבְּהֵמָה לִי הוּא. וּכְתִיב בְּכוֹר בָּנֶיךָ תִּפָּדֶה וְקָרֵינַן בֵּהּ תִּפָּדֶה רוֹצֶה לוֹמַר שֶׁיִּפְדֶּה אֶת עַצְמוֹ וַאֲנִי פּוֹדֶה אֶת פְּלוֹנִי בֶּן פְּלוֹנִי עֲבוּרוֹ

The Kohen then asks:

מַאי בָּעֵית טְפֵי לִתֵּן בֶּן הַבְּכוֹר שֶׁהוּא פֶּטֶר רֶחֶם לְאִמּוֹ אוֹ בָּעֵית לִפְדּוֹתוֹ בְּעַד חָמֵשׁ סְלָעִים כְּדִמְחֻיָּב פְּלוֹנִי בֶּן פְּלוֹנִי מִדְּאוֹרַיְתָא

The podeh replies:

חָפֵץ אֲנִי לִפְדּוֹת אֶת הַבְּכוֹר, וְהֵילָךְ דְּמֵי פִּדְיוֹנוֹ חָמֵשׁ סְלָעִים

Following this, a shechyinau is made on a new fruit or garment and the Kohen takes the silver coins and recites a borei pri hagafen on wine.*

Pidyon Haben For a Son of a Ger From a Jewish Mother

My son was born to a Jewish mother before I converted. After I converted and became Frum, I made a Pidyon for him. I’m told now that I wasn’t supposed to do it. What do we do now? He is already well past Bar Mitzva.

Your son should do a Pidyon Haben, but without a bracha.*

Are 4 Coins Weighing 5 Selaim Enough?

If four silver coins together weigh more than 100 grams, is there a reason to have 5 coins for Pidyon Haben?

There is no reason to have 5 coins (though some are strict to have 120 grams). #19571*

Tachanun at a Pidyon Haben

Does one recite Tachanun at Mincha taking place in the house right before the Pidyon Haben or Shacharis right before it?

There is no official Chabad custom on the matter.

I believe the common custom is to say Tachanun, although those who don’t say have grounds to rely on. #6769*

Eating Before the Bris (or Pidyon) of a Son

Are you not supposed to eat before a Bris and Pidyon Haben, like we don’t eat before doing any timely mitzva like Tekios or Megillah?

Some write that the father may not eat before the Bris, just like one may not eat before any mitzva that has a time limit, like Mincha, Maariv, and Bedikas Chometz.

However, there is reason to be lenient when the father appointed the Mohel to fulfill the mitzva for him.

Regardless, he may snack on non-mezonos foods and eat mezonos food up to a k’beitza.

There is still a reason not to eat anything at all before the Bris as the Chassidim Harishonim would refrain from eating or drinking even the smallest quantities before performing a Mitzva Chaviva such as Lulav, and certainly this would apply to Bris Mila. The custom however is to be lenient about this. Certainly one may be lenient about drinking.

All of the above would also apply equally to a Pidyon Haben, although there is more room for leniency regarding snacking, and so is the common custom, especially if it takes place in the afternoon.

If one wishes to eat a meal, they should set up a shomer before sitting down for a meal. #24718*

*References are available for this Halacha on the websites: www.Halacha2Go.com and www.AskTheRav.com

Please note that these halachos apply in general situations, if you are unsure whether the halacha applies to your particular situation, please consult a Rav.

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