ויקרא, פרק כ״ז, פסוק ט׳

After establishing the rules for pledging the monetary value of humans to the Temple, the focus shifts to the dedication of animals. Unlike humans or property, which can be redeemed with money, an animal suitable for the altar undergoes a profound transformation. It attains an intrinsic, physical holiness. Once dedicated, it can never be redeemed or returned to ordinary use; it must fulfill its ultimate purpose and be offered as a sacrifice [ביאור יש״ר, בכור שור].

This strict rule applies specifically to pure, unblemished cattle and flock animals that are fit for the altar [רלב״ג, ביאור שטיינזלץ, הופמן]. Animals with permanent physical defects fall outside this category and can indeed be redeemed [פענח רזא]. Furthermore, this profound level of holiness applies primarily to animals designated directly as offerings, rather than those given merely to fund the general maintenance of the Temple [תורה תמימה, מלבי״ם]. However, if a person dedicates a perfectly unblemished animal specifically for Temple upkeep, or simply donates it without specifying a purpose, the primary approach among commentators is that the animal still cannot be diverted from the altar. Instead, its value is assessed, and it is sold to someone in need of a sacrifice. The proceeds from the sale are directed to the Temple's maintenance fund, while the animal itself is offered on the altar [הכתב והקבלה, רש ר הירש, הופמן, רשב״ם].

The laws of animal dedication also differ significantly from those regarding human valuation when it comes to partial dedications. When pledging human value, dedicating a non-vital body part has no legal effect. With animals, however, the dedication is so potent that even pledging a single limb takes effect [רש״י, מזרחי, שפתי חכמים, גור אריה, מלבי״ם], though a minority view maintains that partial dedications are not applicable in this context [שד״ל].

When a person dedicates a non-vital limb of an animal, commentators disagree on the outcome. One perspective suggests that the animal is sold to someone requiring a sacrifice; the proceeds remain secular, except for the calculated value of that specific limb, which is transferred to the Temple [רש״י, תורה תמימה, רלב״ג]. Another viewpoint argues that holiness is expansive; dedicating even a single limb causes the sanctity to spread throughout the entire animal, rendering it completely holy [מלבי״ם, ברטנורא]. Despite this debate, there is unanimous agreement regarding vital organs. If a person dedicates a limb upon which the animal's life depends, the holiness undeniably spreads, transforming the entire animal into a sacred offering [רלב״ג, תורה תמימה, רש ר הירש].