Author Rabbi Yaakov Goldstein

Opinion of the Rebbe:[1] The Rebbe did not give any halachic ruling as to the question of whether releasing terrorists in exchange for hostages is permitted according to Jewish law, and made mention that indeed Halachic deliberation exists as to its permissibility being that it involves saving a Jewish life. […]

Hostage deal with terrorists in exchange for prisoners [Entebbe, Gilad Shalit, Oct 7th]:[1] To our great misfortune, a new type of ransom which was not discussed in the Talmud or codifiers, is the demand of release of terrorists from prisons in exchange for captives. The question is raised as to […]

Havracha – Restrictions on escape and military/police operations:[1] It is ruled in the Mishneh[2] and Poskim[3] that the sages instituted that one may not help a captive escape from captivity due to Tikkun Haolam, which is an institution made for the betterment of the world. The intent of this betterment […]

Forcing one to give money to redeem a captive: Redeeming oneself:[1] An individual is obligated to redeem himself from captivity if he can afford it. If one refuses to redeem himself, then the courts may confiscate his assets in order to redeem him even against his wishes. [This, however, only […]

Precedence of whom to redeem:[1] Person in captivity:[2] Redeeming oneself from captivity takes precedence over redeeming any other captive, including one’s own father or Rebbe, with exception to one’s mother, as will be explained below. Male versus female captive:[3] A female captive is given precedence to be redeemed over a […]

Redeeming a Heretic:[1] A Jewish captive who became a heretic is prohibited from being redeemed from captivity. A person is considered a heretic if he transgresses even a single command [even one time[2]] with the purpose of rebelling against G-d [i.e. להכעיס], such as if he eats non-kosher meat even […]

Redeeming one who caused himself to enter captivity:[1] One who sold himself to idolaters, or owed them money and was taken captive as collateral, may be redeemed [using community and charity funds] the first two times that this occurs. However, if he does so for a third time, then we […]

The Maharam of Rothenburg:[1] The Maharam of Rothenburg who was the greatest Torah giant and leader of his generation, was taken captive and held for a very high ransom.[2] Despite the community’s desire to redeem him for the high some, the Maharam of Rothenburg refused to allow himself to be […]

Cases of exception for Kdei Dimeihem [that one may pay any amount to redeem the captive]:[1] Redeeming oneself:[2] The actual person being held in captivity may agree to pay his captors any amount of ransom money for the sake of redeeming himself, as for the captive himself, no limitations were […]

How to measure the value of the captive: Some Poskim[1] rule that we follow the market value of the captive as he would be sold on the slave market [which was legal and common in previous times]. Other Poskim[2] rule that it follows the captives personal financial status, and as […]

Kdei Dmeihem – Limitations on the amount of ransom payment:[1] It is ruled in the Mishneh[2] and Poskim[3] that the sages instituted that one may not redeem a captive for more than his value [i.e. Kdei Dimeihem]. [This applies whether the captive is a man or a woman, and applies […]

Kdei Dmeihem – Limitations on the amount of ransom payment:[1] It is ruled in the Mishneh[2] and Poskim[3] that the sages instituted that one may not redeem a captive for more than his value [i.e. Kdei Dimeihem]. [This applies whether the captive is a man or a woman, and applies […]

If more money than needed was collected for a captive:[1] When collecting money for a specific captive any extra money collected belongs to the captive. However, in times of need, the community leaders may decide to use the money for other purposes. ____________________________________________ [1] Michaber Y.D. 253:6; Mishneh Shekalim 3a […]

Paying back the redeemer:[1] An individual who was redeemed from captivity by his friend has an obligation to pay him back if he has the financial capability of doing so.[2] He is obligated to pay back his friend immediately even before going to court, and if he has a legal […]

Re-directing collected funds for the sake of redeeming the captive:[1] Being that there is no greater Mitzvah than redeeming a captive, therefore, one may even use money that had already been collected for the sake of another Mitzvah, whatever it may be, and redirect its use in order to redeem […]

Raising the money to redeem the captive: Precedence over other charities to the poor:[1] Giving ransom money to redeem a captive takes precedence over giving charity to feed[2] and clothe paupers. [However, those Jews which are found in midst of a war or plague and as a result are found […]

Redeeming Jewish children from Muslim homes [Yad Leachim, Irgun Lahava]: Another type of Pidyon Shvuyim which exists today in Israel is the redeeming of assimilated Jewish mothers and their Jewish children from the home of the abusive Muslim father. Unfortunately, there exists thousands of Jewish girls who have married Arabs […]

Kiruv Organizations – Does the concept of Pidyon Shvuyim apply to helping bring a Jew closer to Judaism:[1] Another major type of Pidyon Shvuyim which exists today is the redeeming of Jewish souls from a state of heresy and apostasy, and bringing them towards observance of Torah and Mitzvos. Certainly, […]

Does the concept of Pidyon Shvuyim apply to helping release a Jew from a state prison?[1] Penalty of capital punishment:[2] In the event that the Jew is being held with a potential penalty of capital punishment, then the Mitzvah of Pidyon Shvuyim applies even if he is truly a criminal […]

Mitzvah Raba – The greatness and importance of the Mitzvah of redeeming a captive:[1] The Mitzvah of redeeming a captive is described in the Talmud[2] as a great Mitzvah “Mitzvah Raba.”[3] It is hence considered the greatest form of charity, and takes precedence to all the other forms of charity, […]

Shop Now *As an Amazon Associate I earn from  qualifying purchases. WhatsApp Facebook Twitter Telegram Sign up for Daily Distribution Sponsor an Episode Donate The Mitzvah of Pidyon Shvuyin [redeeming prisoners, captives], hostage deals, and its regulations in Halacha:[1] Introduction: Kidnapping prohibition:[2] It is a Biblical prohibition to kidnap another […]