Ask the Rabbi
- Family and Society
- Happy Occasions
- Pidyon Haben
Question
With regard to firstborns by C-section:
Why is a C-section interpreted to be NOT a form of "opening the womb", when that interpretation forbids the doing of the Torah mitzvah of Pidyon Haben?
Answer
"Peter Rechem" (Bamidbar 18 15) is understood by our sages to be the baby born that opens the womb, a cesarean baby doesn't open the womb, it is opened for him, therefor exempt from Pidyon - redeeming.
(Bechorot 19a; Tanchuma Bo 11)

Pidyon Haben on a non-hallachik bechor
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Adar I 30, 5774

When does a miscarriage stop pidyon haben for the next child
Rabbi David Sperling | Tevet 10, 5778

Pidyon Haben
Various Rabbis | Shevat 20, 5768




