For the source text click/tap here: Zevachim 67
To download, click/tap here: PDF
The Mishnah which began on 66b brought a case of a bird-olah which was inadvertently brought on the lower part of the Altar, using the procedure of a chattas, and it was brought with the intention of it being a chattas.
R’ Eliezer ruled that it retains the law of being an olah, to which the laws of me’ilah apply. R’ Yehoshua disagrees and contends that with the position, procedure and intent being that of a chattas, this offering reverts to being a chattas. Therefore, now that it is a chattas, after its blood has been applied to the Altar, the laws of me’ilah no longer apply.
The Mishnah presents an extensive exchange between the Tannaim, each defending his position. The Gemara points out that at one point, R’ Eliezer realized the true reasoning behind R’ Yehoshua’s view, and R’ Eliezer therefore desisted from arguing further. This reason was detailed by R’ Adda b. Ahava.
As the kohen takes the bird-olah to the lower part of the Altar, as soon as he performs melikah and cuts one of the pipes (esophagus or trachea), the offering is transformed into a chattas.
We examine the halachot of melikha as well as the controversial custom of kapparot.