For the source text click/tap here: Bechorot 10
To download, click/tap here: PDF
According to the Torah (Shemot 13:13), if the owner of a firstborn donkey does not wish to redeem it by exchanging it for a lamb, then the donkey must be decapitated.
Ultimately, the Gemara concludes that the disagreement between Rabbi Yehuda and Rabbi Shimon in both parts of the baraita refers to a living animal, but the first part refers to monetary benefit, and the second part refers to the benefit derived from its body (its wool or its work). In both situations, Rabbi Shimon permits use of the firstborn prior to its decapitation and Rabbi Yehuda forbids deriving such benefit.
We discuss the mitzvah of decapitation and redemption.