For the source text click/tap here: Chagigah 16
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Our Mishnah describes the very first disagreement between the Sages: should semikha – leaning on the animal being sacrificed as part of the preparation for the korban, or offering – be permitted on Yom Tov or not? We find no fewer than five generations of Sages listed as arguing this point, which leads Rav Shemen bar Abba to quote Rabbi Yochanan saying that even a shvut – Rabbinic ordinance – must be taken seriously. Semikha involves use of the animal (similar to riding a horse, for example) which is prohibited only on Rabbinic grounds, yet its status on Yom Tov is the topic of discussion for generations.
Aside from the general argument about semikha, we also find a disagreement with regard to women performing semikha when bringing a sacrifice. We explore this very first zugot controversy and the Zeitlin landmark article.