For the source text click/tap here: Zevachim 45
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The Mishna (43a) brings a disagreement between the Tanna Kamma and Rabbi Shimon with regard to a question about the application of piggul – inappropriate thoughts relating to time regarding a given sacrifice – to an animal that was to be brought on the inner altar but was being prepared in the outer courtyard.
The Gemara on yesterday’s daf brings another opinion, that of Rabbi Elazar in the name of Rabbi Yosei HaGelili. The concluding sentence on yesterday’s daf was Rav Naḥman quoting Rabba bar Avuh in the name of Rav who said that the halakha follows this last opinion.
Reacting to this ruling, Rava asks hilkheta le-meshiḥa?! – are we establishing halakhic rulings for Messianic times, i.e. when the Temple will be rebuilt?
Abaye responds to him by asking whether it would be appropriate to avoid learning any topics about the Temple service, since all of it should be considered hilkheta le-meshiḥa.
We explore instances of this concept in has and the Netziv’s dazzling insight.