Will one need to bring a Chatas in the future for the accidental sins he performed during Galus?
From certain sources in the Talmud[1] and Poskim[2] it is implied that those which sinned accidently during exile will be required to bring a Chatas offering for those sins when Moshiach comes, if they merit for Moshiach to come during their lifetime. Some[3] deduce from these sources that in truth this is the final ruling. The Rebbe[4] however learns that one who sinned during exile is not obligated to bring a Chatas offering in the future.[5]
Must one make note of a sin that he accidently transgressed if it carries a Chatas penalty?
From certain sources in the Talmud[6] and Poskim[7] it is implied that those which sinned accidently during exile are required to write this down in order to remember to bring a Chatas offering when Moshiach comes. Some[8] deduce from these sources that in truth this is the final ruling. Practically however, despite the above, one is not required to do so[9], and so is the widespread custom amongst majority of Jewry and Gedolei Yisrael.[10] The reason for this is because in truth one who sinned during exile is not obligated to bring a Karban Chatas and doing so is a mere voluntary act.[11]
[1] Rebbe Yishmael Shabbos 12b; Rebbe Elazar Yuma 80a; Yerushalmi Chagiga 1/2
Background:
The Gemara in Shabbos ibid records a dispute between the Tana Kama and Rebbe Yishmael Ben Elisha in regards to whether it is forbidden to learn near a candle on Shabbos lest one come to tilt the candle. Rebbe Yishmael was of the opinion that it is permitted to do so and he one time tilted the candle while reading, thus transgressing a Biblical command. Rebbe Yishmael then wrote on his booklet after Shabbos: I Yishmael Ben Elisha read near a candle and tilted it on Shabbos. When the Beis Hamikdash will be rebuilt I will bring a fat Chatas offering. Likewise, the Gemara in Yuma ibid and Yerushalmi Chagiga record that one who ate Cheilev in today’s time is obligated to write down the amount of Cheilev one has eaten in order so he knows as to whether he must bring a Chatas offering when Moshiach comes and the Shiruim are adjusted by the Sanhedrin. From all the above sources we see that one is liable to bring a Chatas offering in the future if he sins during exile.
[2] M”A 334/33
[3] Encyclopedia Talmudit Chatas p. 503; Livyas Chen brought in Yalkut Geula Umoshiach Tzav 7/12
[4] Sichos Kodesh 1981 6th of Tishreiy; Likkutei Sichos 18 Maseiy footnote
[5] The reason: a) As the purpose of brining a Chatas is for atonement purposes and in today’s times in which we do not have a Beis Hamikdash we can achieve complete atonement through Teshuvah, regret and resolution. Hence, when Moshiach comes there will no longer be a need to bring a Karban Chatas for sins committed during exile. [Rebbe ibid] B) Alternatively, the reason is because during exile it is not possible to transgress a true Meizid, being that one cannot be given reliable Hasraah. Consequently there is also no law of Shogeg today, as Shogeg can only exist in times that Meizid is possible. [Rebbe in Sichos Kodesh ibid]
How the Rebbe learns the above sources: The Rebbe learns that the entire concept of the above Tannaima nd Amoraim recording their sin and necessity to bring a Chatas offering is not because they were truly obligated to do so, but because it is considered like a Nedava. This is why Rebbe Yishmael said he would bring a Chatas Shmeina, as this emphasizes the fact that he would bring a Karban Nedava as a Chatas. Vetzrauch Iyun as one cannot bring a Chatas as a Nedava. [Likkutei Sichos 18 Maseiy footnote 51]
[6] Rebbe Yishmael Shabbos 12b; Rebbe Elazar Yuma 80a; Yerushalmi Chagiga 1/2
Background:
The Gemara in Shabbos ibid records a dispute between the Tana Kama and Rebbe Yishmael Ben Elisha in regards to whether it is forbidden to learn near a candle on Shabbos lest one come to tilt the candle. Rebbe Yishmael was of the opinion that it is permitted to do so and he one time tilted the candle while reading, thus transgressing a Biblical command. Rebbe Yishmael then wrote on his booklet after Shabbos: I Yishmael Ben Elisha read near a candle and tilted it on Shabbos. When the Beis Hamikdash will be rebuilt I will bring a fat Chatas offering. Likewise, the Gemara in Yuma ibid and Yerushalmi Chagiga record that one who ate Cheilev in today’s time is obligated to write down the amount of Cheilev one has eaten in order so he knows as to whether he must bring a Chatas offering when Moshiach comes and the Shiruim are adjusted by the Sanhedrin. From all the above sources we see that one is required to mark down the Chatas offerings that he becomes liable to bring when Moshaich comes.
[7] M”A 334/33 records the incident of Rebbe Yishmael
[8] Riei Chaim of Rav Chaim Falagi Parshas Tazria; Encyclopedia Talmudit Chatas p. 503
[9] Implication of Admur 334/28 and all other Poskim who omit the ruling of the Gemara ibid and M”A 334/33; Implication of Shulchan Aruch and all Poskim who felt no need to record when one is obligated to bring a Chatas for a sin
[10] Sichos Kodesh 1981 6th of Tishreiy; Likkutei Sichos 18 Maseiy footnote 51
[11] Rebbe ibid
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