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[[File:Red Angus Heifer.jpg|thumb|right|300px|A red Angus cow which is grown by the [[Temple Institute]] for the red heifer sacrifice in the reconstruction of the [[Third Temple|Third Temple of Jerusalem]] in [[Jerusalem]], [[Israel]]. ]]
[[File:Red Angus Heifer.jpg|thumb|right|A [[Red Angus]] cow which is grown by the [[Temple Institute]] for the red heifer sacrifice and burning in the reconstruction of the [[Third Temple]] in [[Jerusalem]], Israel.]]
{{Tumah and taharah|expanded=Purification methods}}
{{Tumah and taharah|expanded=Purification methods}}
{{short description|Cow mentioned in the Torah}}
{{short description|A sacrifical cow which is sacrificed in the Torah, Bible, Quran in a purification ritual}}
The '''red heifer''' ({{lang-he|פָּרָה אֲדֻמָּה|translit=parah adumah}}), a [[Cattle|heifer]] which is never [[Pregnancy|pregnant]], [[Milking|milked]], or [[yoke]]d, also known as the '''red cow''', is a heifer sacrificed by the priests as a sacrifice to [[God]] in the [[Book of Numbers]] ([[Torah]], [[Old Testament]]). Its ashes after being sacrificed and burned were used for the [[ritual purification]] of [[corpse uncleanness]] caused by an Israelite coming into contact with a human corpse, a human bone, or a human grave. <ref>{{cite book |last= Carmichael |first= Calum |title=The Book of Numbers: a Critique of Genesis |publisher=[[Yale University Press]] |date= 2022 |location=[[New Haven, Connecticut]] |pages= 103–121 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=6uy6LVXGOxkC&pg=PA106 |isbn= 9780300179187}}</ref>
In [[Judaism]], the '''red heifer''' ({{langx|he|פָּרָה אֲדֻמָּה|translit=parah adumah}}), also known as the '''red cow''', is a ritually pure [[Cattle|heifer]] sacrificed by the priests to [[Yahweh]] that is mentioned in the [[Torah]], and the [[Bible]]. Its ashes after being sacrificed and burned were used for the [[ritual purification]] as a prelude to building their temple.<ref>{{cite book |last= Carmichael |first= Calum |title=The Book of Numbers: a Critique of Genesis |publisher=[[Yale University Press]] |date= 2022 |location=[[New Haven, Connecticut]] |pages= 103–121 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=6uy6LVXGOxkC&pg=PA106 |isbn= 9780300179187}}</ref>


== Hebrew Bible ==
== Torah ==
The red heifer offering instructions are described in [[Numbers 19]]. The Israelites were commanded to obtain "a red [[:wikt:heifer|heifer]] without spots, wherein is no blemish, and upon which never came a yoke". The heifer is then slaughtered and burned outside of the camp. [[Cedrus libani|Cedar wood]], an herb called [[ezov]], and [[wool]] [[kermes (dye)|dyed scarlet]] are added to the fire, and the remaining ashes are placed in a vessel containing pure spring water.
The red heifer offering instructions are described in [[Book of Numbers|Numbers 19]], which states that [[Israelites]] and [[Moses]] were told by [[Yahweh]] to obtain a red heifer without spots, wherein is no blemish, and upon which never came a [[yoke]], was never [[milked]], never [[pregnant]] and sacrifice it as in a purification ritual. The red heifer is then slaughtered and burned outside of the camp. [[Cedrus libani|Cedarwood]], an herb called [[ezov]], and [[wool]] [[kermes (dye)|dyed scarlet]] are added to the fire, and the remaining ashes are placed in a vessel containing pure spring water.


To purify a person, [[water of lustration|water from the vessel]] is sprinkled on them using a bunch of ezov, on the third and seventh day of the purification process.<ref>{{bibleverse||Numbers|19:18-19|HE}}</ref> The [[Kohen]] who performs the ritual then becomes [[tumah and taharah|ritually impure]] and must then wash himself and his clothes in spring waters. He remains impure until the evening of the day he sprinkled the water of lustration.
To purify a person, [[water of lustration|water from the vessel]] is sprinkled on them using a bunch of ezov, on the third and seventh day of the purification process.<ref>{{bibleverse||Numbers|19:18-19|HE}}</ref> The [[Kohen]] who performs the ritual then himself becomes [[tumah and taharah|ritually impure]] and must then wash himself and his clothes in spring waters. He remains impure until the evening of the day he sprinkled the water of lustration.


== Mishnah ==
== Mishnah ==
The [[Mishnah]], the central compilation of the [[Oral Torah]] in [[Rabbinic Judaism]], the oral component of the [[Torah|Written Torah]], contains a tractate on the red heifer, which is the tractate [[Parah]] ("cow") in [[Tohorot|Seder Tohorot]], which explains the procedures involved. The tractate has no existing [[Gemara]], although commentary on the procedure appears in the Gemara for other tractates of the [[Talmud]].
The [[Mishnah]], the central compilation of the [[Oral Torah]] in [[Rabbinic Judaism]], the oral component of the [[Torah|Written Torah]], contains a tractate on the red heifer sacrifice and burning, which is the tractate [[Parah]] ("cow") in [[Tohorot]], which explains the procedures involved. The tractate has no existing [[Gemara]], although commentary on the procedure appears in the Gemara for other tractates of the [[Talmud]].


=== Details of the commandment ===
=== Details of the law ===
According to Mishnah's tractate Parah, the presence of two black hairs invalidates a red heifer, in addition to the usual requirements of an unblemished animal for [[korban|sacrifice]]. There are various other requirements, such as natural birth (The caesarian section renders a heifer candidate invalid).<ref>[[Mishneh Torah]], Hilchot Para Adumah 1:7</ref> The water must be "living" (ie., [[Spring (hydrology)|spring water]]). This is a stronger requirement than for a [[mikveh]] or ritual bath; rainwater accumulated in a cistern is permitted for a mikveh but cannot be used in the red heifer ceremony.
According to Mishnah's tractate Parah, the presence of two black hairs invalidates a red heifer, in addition to the usual requirements of an unblemished animal for [[korban|sacrifice]]. There are various other requirements, such as natural birth (The caesarian section renders a heifer candidate invalid).<ref>[[Mishneh Torah]], Hilchot Parah Adumah 1:7</ref> The water must be "living" (ie., [[Spring (hydrology)|spring water]]). This is a stronger requirement than for a [[mikveh]] or ritual bath; rainwater accumulated in a cistern is permitted for a mikveh but cannot be used in the red heifer ceremony.


The Mishnah reports that in the days of the [[Temple in Jerusalem]], water for the ritual came from the [[Pool of Siloam]]. The ceremony involved was complex and detailed. To ensure the complete ritual purity of those involved, care was taken to ensure that no one involved in the red heifer ceremony could have had any contact with the dead or any form of [[tumah and taharah|tumah]], and implements were made of materials such as stone, which in [[Halakha|Jewish law]] do not act as carriers for ritual impurities. The Mishnah recounts that children were used to draw and carry the water for the ceremony, children born and reared in isolation for the specific purpose of ensuring that they never came into contact with a corpse:
The Mishnah reports that in the days of the [[Temple in Jerusalem]], water for the ritual came from the [[Pool of Siloam]]. The ceremony involved was complex and detailed. To ensure the complete ritual purity of those involved, care was taken to ensure that no one involved in the red heifer ceremony could have had any contact with the dead or any form of [[tumah and taharah|tumah]], and implements were made of materials such as stone, which in [[halakha]] do not act as carriers for ritual impurities. The Mishnah recounts that children were used to draw and carry the water for the ceremony, children born and reared in isolation for the specific purpose of ensuring that they never came into contact with a corpse:


{{Quote|There were courtyards in Jerusalem built over [the virgin] rock and below them a hollow [was made] lest there might be a grave in the depths, and pregnant women were brought and bore their children there, and there they reared them. And oxen were brought, and on their backs were laid doors on top of which sat the children with cups of stone in their hands. When they arrived in Shiloah [the children] alighted, and filled [the cups with water], and mounted, and again sat on the doors.|Mishna ''[[Parah]]'' 3:2}}
{{Quote|There were courtyards in Jerusalem built over the virgin rock and below them a hollow was made lest there might be a grave in the depths, and pregnant women were brought and bore their children there, and there they reared them. And oxen were brought, and on their backs were laid doors on top of which sat the children with cups of stone in their hands. When they arrived in Shiloah the children alighted, and filled the cups with water, and mounted, and again sat on the doors.|[[Judah ha-Nasi]]|title=[[Mishnah]]|source=[[Parah]]}}


Various other devices were used, including a causeway from the [[Temple Mount]] to the [[Mount of Olives]] so that the heifer and accompanying [[kohen|priest]]s would not come into contact with a grave.<ref>''Mishnayoth Seder Taharoth'', translated and annotated by Phillip Blackman, Judaica Press, 2000.</ref>
Various other devices were used, including a causeway from the [[Temple Mount]] to the [[Mount of Olives]] so that the heifer and accompanying [[kohen|priest]]s would not come into contact with a grave.<ref>''Mishnayoth Seder Taharoth'', translated and annotated by Phillip Blackman, Judaica Press, 2000.</ref>


According to the Mishnah, the ceremony of the burning of the red heifer took place on the Mount of Olives. A ritually pure [[kohen]] slaughtered the heifer and sprinkled its blood in the direction of the Temple seven times. The red heifer was then burned on a [[pyre]], together with scarlet dyed wool, hyssop, and cedarwood. In recent years, the site of the burning of the red heifer on the Mount of Olives has been tentatively located by archaeologist Yonatan Adler.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Adler|first=Y.|title=The Site of the Burning of the Red Heifer on the Mount of Olives|journal=Techumin|volume=22|date=2002|pages=537–542|language=he}}</ref>
According to the Mishnah, the ceremony of the sacrifice and burning of the red heifer took place on the Mount of Olives. A ritually pure kohen slaughtered the heifer and sprinkled its blood in the direction of the Temple seven times. The red heifer was then burned on a [[pyre]], together with wool dyed scarlet, hyssop, and cedarwood to ashes. In recent years, the site of the sacrifice and burning of the red heifer on the Mount of Olives has been tentatively located by archaeologist Yonatan Adler.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Adler|first=Y.|title=The Site of the Burning of the Red Heifer on the Mount of Olives|journal=Techumin|volume=22|date=2002|pages=537–542|language=he}}</ref>


===Color===
===Color of the heifer ===
The heifer's color is described in the Torah as ''adumah'' ({{Script/Hebrew|אדומה}}), which is "red". However, [[Saadia Gaon]] translates this word as {{lang-jrb|صفرا|translit=ṣafrā}}, a word translated to English as "yellow".<ref>See also {{Bibleverse|Job|16:16|HE}} where Saadiah uses ''ṣafrā'' to describe a red-flushed face.</ref> In addition, the [[Quran]] describes Moses being commanded about a "yellow" cow ([[al-Baqara]] 2:69).
The heifer's color is described in the Torah as ''adumah'' ({{Script/Hebrew|אדומה}}), which is "red". However, [[Saadia Gaon]] translates this word as {{langx|jrb|صفرا|translit=safra}}, a word translated to English as "yellow".<ref>See also {{Bibleverse|Job|16:16|HE}} where Saadiah uses ''ṣafrā'' to describe a red-flushed face.</ref> In addition, the Quran shows Moses being told about a yellow heifer ([[Al-Baqara]] 2:69).


To explain this discrepancy, [[Yosef Qafih]] in his Hebrew translation and commentary on Saadia's work argues that the Bible requires the cow to have a ruddy light-brown color, which he says is the normal color of a cow. He says this color is in general described as {{Script/Hebrew|אדום}} in Hebrew and "yellow" in Arabic, resolving the discrepancy in the color words. He explains the Biblical requirement to mean that the cow be entirely of this color, and not have blotches or blemishes of a different color.<ref>Yosef Qafih, ''Perushei Rabbeinu Saadiah Gaon al haTorah'', footnote to Numbers 19:2.</ref>
To explain this discrepancy, [[Yosef Qafih]] in his Hebrew translation and commentary on Saadia's work argues that the Bible requires the heifer to be red in color, which he says is the normal color of a heifer. He says this color is in general described as {{Script/Hebrew|אדום}} in Hebrew and yellow in Arabic, resolving the discrepancy in the color words. He explains the Biblical requirement to mean that the heifer be entirely of this color, and not have blotches or blemishes of a different color.<ref>Yosef Qafih, ''Perushei Rabbeinu Saadiah Gaon al haTorah'', footnote to [[Book of Numbers|Numbers 19:2.]]</ref>


=== Jewish tradition ===
=== Jewish traditions ===
A red heifer that conforms with all of the requirements imposed by [[halakha]] is practically a biological anomaly. For example, the animal must be entirely of one color (a series of tests listed by the sages must be performed to ensure this) and the hair of the cow must be absolutely straight (to ensure that the cow had not previously been yoked, as this would be a disqualifier). According to Jewish tradition, only nine red heifers were actually slaughtered in the period extending from [[Moses]] to the destruction of the [[Second Temple]]. Mishnah's tractate [[Parah]] recounts them, stating that Moses prepared the first, [[Ezra]] the second, [[Simeon the Just]] and [[Johanan (High Priest)|Johanan the High Priest]] prepared two each, and [[Eliyahueyni ben HaKof|Elioenai ben HaQayaph]], [[Ananelus]], and [[Ishmael ben Fabus]] prepared one each.<ref>[[Mishna]] ''Parah'' 3:5</ref>
A red heifer that conforms with all of the requirements imposed by halakha is practically a biological anomaly. For example, the heifer must be entirely brownish red (a series of tests listed by the sages must be performed to ensure this) and the hair of the cow must be absolutely straight (to ensure that the cow had not previously been yoked, as this is a disqualifier). In Jewish history, only nine red heifers were actually slaughtered and burned in the period extending from the time of Moses to the destruction of the [[Second Temple]]. Mishnah's tractate Parah recounts them, stating that Moses prepared the first, [[Ezra]] prepared the second, [[Simeon the Just]] and [[Johanan (High Priest)|Johanan the High Priest]] prepared the third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and [[Eliyahueyni ben HaKof|Elioenai ben HaQayaph]], [[Ananelus]], and [[Ishmael ben Fabus]] prepared the seventh, eighth, ninth.<ref>[[Mishnah]]'s tractate [[Parah]]'','' verse 3:5</ref>


The extreme rarity of the animal, combined with the detailed ritual in which it is used, have given the red heifer special status in Jewish tradition. It is cited as the paradigm of a ''ḥoq'', a biblical law for which there is no apparent logic. Because the state of ritual purity obtained through the ashes of a red heifer is a necessary prerequisite for participating in Temple service, efforts have been made in modern times by Jews wishing for biblical ritual purity (see [[tumah and taharah]]) and in anticipation of the building of the [[Third Temple]] to locate a red heifer and recreate the ritual. However, multiple candidates have been disqualified and multiple candidates were found at the same time also.
The extreme rarity of the red heifer, combined with the detailed ritual in which it is used, have given the red heifer special status in Jewish tradition. It is cited as the paradigm of a ''ḥoq'', a Jewish law for which there is no logic. Because the state of ritual purity obtained through the ashes of a red heifer is a necessary prerequisite for participating in Temple service, efforts have been made in modern times by Jews wishing for Jewish ritual purity (see [[tumah and taharah]]) and in anticipation of the building of the [[Third Temple]] to locate a red heifer and recreate the ritual sacrifice and burning. However, multiple candidates have been disqualified and multiple candidates were found at the same time also for the sacrifice and burning.


Also, all red heifer ashes were still in use as late as the time of [[Jeremiah (III)]] in the fourth century CE and then were exhausted completely.<ref>[[Jerusalem Talmud]], Brachot 6:1, according to ''Or Yesharim'' commentary and Rome manuscript where בי חנוותא is replaced by מי חטאתה</ref>
Also, all red heifer ashes were still in use as late as the time of [[Jeremiah (III)]] in the fourth century CE and then were exhausted completely.<ref>[[Jerusalem Talmud]], Brachot 6:1, according to ''Or Yesharim'' commentary and Rome manuscript where בי חנוותא is replaced by מי חטאתה</ref>


==Quran==
==Quran==
In the Quran, a bright yellow cow or heifer is mentioned, as if coloured by saffron. There is no mention of a red cow or heifer.
⚫
The second and the longest [[surah]] (chapter) in the [[Quran]] is named "''[[al-Baqara]]''" ({{lang-ar|البقرة}} "the heifer") after the heifer as the commandment is related in the surah.


⚫
The second and the longest [[Surah]] (chapter) in the Quran is named "''Al-Baqara''" ({{langx|ar|البقرة}} "the heifer") after the heifer as the law is related in the surah.
⚫
[https://quran.com/al-baqarah/67-71 Surah Al Baqarah Ayah 67-71]


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[https://quran.com/al-baqarah/67-71 Quran, Al Baqara, Verses 67-71]
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{{Quote|Remember when Moses said to his people, “Allah commands you to sacrifice a heifer.” They replied, “Are you mocking us?” Moses responded, “I seek refuge in Allah from acting foolishly!”
⚫
They said, “Call upon Allah to clarify for us what type of heifer it should be!” He replied, “Allah says, ‘The heifer should neither be old nor young but in between. So do as you are commanded!’”
⚫
They said, “Call upon Allah to specify for us its color.” He replied, “Allah says, ‘It should be a bright yellow heifer—pleasant to see.’”
⚫
Again they said, “Call upon Allah so that he may make clear to us which cow, for all cows look the same to us. Then, Allah willing, we will be guided to the correct one.”
⚫
He replied, “Allah says, ‘It should have been used neither to till the soil nor water the fields; wholesome and without blemish.’” They said, “Now you have come with the truth.” Yet they still slaughtered it hesitantly!|Quran (translation by [[Dr. Mustafa Khattab]]), Surah 2 (Al-Baqarah), [[ayah|ayat]]<nowiki> 67–71]]</nowiki>|}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Surah Al Baqarah |url=https://quran.com/al-baqarah/67-71 |website=Quran.com}}</ref>


⚫
{{Quote|Remember when Moses said to his people, “God commands you to sacrifice a heifer.” They replied, “Are you mocking us?” Moses responded, “I seek refuge in God from acting foolishly!”
⚫
[[Ibn Kathir]] explains that according to [[ibn Abbas]] and [[Ubayda ibn al-Harith]], it displayed the stubbornness of the [[Israelites|Children of Israel]], who asked unnecessary questions to the prophets without readily following any commandment from God; had they slaughtered a cow, any cow, it would have been sufficient for them - but instead, as they made the matter more difficult, God made it even more difficult for them.<ref>{{cite web |title=Quran Tafsir Ibn Kathir - The Stubbornness of the Jews regarding the Cow; Allah made the Matter difficult for Them |url=http://www.qtafsir.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=363 |website=www.qtafsir.com |access-date=1 February 2019}}</ref> {{Obsolete source|reason=|date=April 2024}}
⚫
They said, “Call upon God to clarify for us what type of heifer it should be!” He replied, “God says, ‘The heifer should neither be old nor young but in between. So do as you are commanded!’”
⚫
They said, “Call upon God to specify for us its color.” He replied, “God says, ‘It should be a bright yellow heifer—pleasant to see.’”
⚫
Again they said, “Call upon God so that he may make clear to us which cow, for all cows look the same to us. Then, God willing, we will be guided to the correct one.”
⚫
He replied, “God says, ‘It should have been used neither to till the soil nor water the fields; wholesome and without blemish.’” They said, “Now you have come with the truth.” Yet they still slaughtered and burnt it to ashes hesitantly!|[[Dr. Mustafa Khattab]]|[[Quran]] |source=[[Al Baqara]]}}


<ref>{{Cite web |title=Al Baqara |url=https://quran.com/al-baqarah/67-71 |website=Quran.com}}</ref>
== Christian ==
⚫
The non-canonical [[Epistle of Barnabas]] (8:1) explicitly equates the red heifer with [[Jesus]]. In the [[New Testament]], the phrases "without the gate" ({{bibleverse||Hebrews|13:12|9}}) and "without the camp" ({{bibleverse||Numbers|19:3|HE}}, {{bibleverse||Hebrews|13:13|9}}) have been taken to be not only an identification of Jesus with the red heifer, but an indication as to the location of the [[crucifixion]].<ref>{{Cite book|title=Secrets of Golgotha: The Forgotten History of Christ's Crucifixion|last=Martin|first=Ernest L.|publisher=ASK Publications|year=1988|isbn=978-0945657774}}</ref>


⚫
[[Ibn Kathir]] explains that, according to [[Ibn Abbas]] and [[Ubayda ibn al-Harith]], it displayed the doubtful questioning of the Israelites, who asked multiple questions to Moses without readily following any law from Allah; had they slaughtered a heifer, any heifer, it would have been sufficient for them - but instead, as they made the matter more specified, Allah made it even more specified for them.<ref>{{cite web |title=Tafsir Ibn Kathir on Al Baqara, Quran - The doubtful questioning of the Israelites regarding the red heifer; and Allah made the matter specified for them |url=http://www.qtafsir.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=363 |access-date=1 February 2019 |website=www.qtafsir.com}}</ref>
⚫
==Modern day==

== Bible ==
⚫
The non-canonical [[Epistle of Barnabas]] (8:1) explicitly equates the red heifer with [[Jesus]]. In the [[New Testament]], the phrases "without the gate" ({{bibleverse||Hebrews|13:12|9}}) and "without the camp" ({{bibleverse||Numbers|19:3|9}}, {{bibleverse||Hebrews|13:13|9}}) have been taken to be not only an identification of Jesus with the red heifer, but an indication as to the location of his [[Crucifixion of Jesus|crucifixion]] and death in [[Calvary]].<ref>{{Cite book|title=Secrets of Golgotha: The Forgotten History of Christ's Crucifixion|last=Martin|first=Ernest L.|publisher=ASK Publications|year=1988|isbn=978-0945657774}}</ref>

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==Modern day red heifers ==
{{Main|Temple Institute}}
{{Main|Temple Institute}}
⚫
The Temple Institute, an organization dedicated to the reconstruction of the Third Temple in Jerusalem, Israel, has identified red heifer candidates consistent with the requirements of Numbers 19:1–22 and Mishnah's tractate Parah.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.templeinstitute.org/red_heifer/red_heifer_contents.htm |title=The Mystery of the Red Heifer: Divine Promise of Purity |publisher=The Temple Institute |website=templeinstitute.org |date=2008-01-31 |access-date=2015-06-03 |archive-date=2020-02-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200223102301/http://www.templeinstitute.org/red_heifer/red_heifer_contents.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=March 30, 1997 |title=Apocalypse Heifer |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/03/30/magazine/apocalypse-cow.html |access-date=December 21, 2013 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> In recent years, the institute thought to have identified two candidates, one in 1997 and another in 2002.<ref name="numbers19">{{cite web |title=News Flash: A red heifer is born in Israel! |url=http://www.templeinstitute.org/archive/red_heifer_born.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200223105327/http://www.templeinstitute.org/archive/red_heifer_born.htm |archive-date=2020-02-23 |access-date=2015-06-03 |website=templeinstitute.org |publisher=The Temple Institute}}</ref> The Temple Institute had initially declared both blemishless for sacrifice and burning but later found to be defective and were removed from sacrifice and burning. The institute has been raising funds in order to use modern technology to produce a red heifer that is genetically based on the [[Red Angus]] cattle.<ref>{{cite web |last=Zieve |first=Tamara |date=August 13, 2015 |title=The quest for the red heifer: An ancient law meets modern technology |url=http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/The-quest-for-the-red-heifer-An-ancient-commandment-meets-modern-technology-412065 |access-date=August 15, 2015}}</ref> In September 2018, the institute announced a red heifer candidate was born, saying the heifer is currently a viable candidate and will be examined to see whether it possesses the necessary qualifications for the red heifer.<ref>{{cite news |last=Dellatto |first=Marisa |date=9 September 2018 |title=Prophecy fulfilled after a red heifer is born at the Temple of Jerusalem, Israel |url=https://nypost.com/2018/09/09/prophecy-fulfilled-after-red-cow-is-born-at-temple-of-israel/ |website=nypost.com |publisher=New York Post}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=15 September 2018 |title=Apocalyptic heifer: Does the first red heifer born in Israel portend evil news for us all? |url=https://news.walla.co.il/item/3187260 |access-date=November 6, 2020 |website=walla.co.il |publisher=Walla |language=he}}</ref> In September 2022, five red heifers were imported from the [[United States]] and transferred to a breeding farm in Israel for the sacrifice and burning. [[Rabbi|Rabbis]] have found the cows blemishless for sacrifice and burning.<ref>[https://hm-news.co.il/310211/ Five red heifers] were flown to Israel: For 2,000 years there were no red heifers here. Hamechadesh (The Innovator, Hebrew) August 1, 2022</ref>
The Temple Institute, an organization dedicated to preparing the reconstruction of a [[Third Temple]] in Jerusalem, has been attempting to identify red heifer candidates consistent with the requirements of Numbers 19:1–22 and Mishnah Tractate Parah.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.templeinstitute.org/red_heifer/red_heifer_contents.htm |title=The Mystery of the Red Heifer: Divine Promise of Purity |publisher=The Temple Institute |website=templeinstitute.org |date=2008-01-31 |access-date=2015-06-03 |archive-date=2020-02-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200223102301/http://www.templeinstitute.org/red_heifer/red_heifer_contents.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news
| title =Apocalypse Cow
| newspaper =[[The New York Times]]
| date =March 30, 1997
| url =https://www.nytimes.com/1997/03/30/magazine/apocalypse-cow.html
⚫
| access-date = December 21, 2013}}</ref> In recent years, the institute thought to have identified two candidates, one in 1997 and another in 2002.<ref name=numbers19>{{cite web |url=http://www.templeinstitute.org/archive/red_heifer_born.htm |title=News Flash: Red Heifer Born in Israel! |publisher=The Temple Institute |website=templeinstitute.org |access-date=2015-06-03 |archive-date=2020-02-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200223105327/http://www.templeinstitute.org/archive/red_heifer_born.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> The Temple Institute had initially declared both [[kosher]] but later found each to be unsuitable. The institute has been raising funds in order to use modern technology to produce a red heifer that is genetically based on the [[Red Angus]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Zieve|first=Tamara|title=The quest for the red heifer: An ancient commandment meets modern technology|url=http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/The-quest-for-the-red-heifer-An-ancient-commandment-meets-modern-technology-412065 |date=August 13, 2015|access-date= August 15, 2015}}</ref> In September 2018, the institute announced a red heifer candidate was born saying "the heifer is currently a viable candidate and will be examined [to see] whether it possess[es] the necessary qualifications for the red heifer."<ref>{{cite news|last=Dellatto|first=Marisa|title=Prophecy fulfilled after red cow is born at Temple of Israel|url=https://nypost.com/2018/09/09/prophecy-fulfilled-after-red-cow-is-born-at-temple-of-israel/|publisher=New York Post|website=nypost.com|date=9 September 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.walla.co.il/item/3187260|title=Apocalyptic cow: Does the first ref heifer born in Israel portend bad news for us all?|language=he|publisher=Walla|website=walla.co.il|date=15 September 2018|access-date=November 6, 2020}}</ref>
In September 2022, five red cows were imported from the United States and transferred to a breeding farm in a [[West Bank settlement]].<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UI7H6J3ZzEo |title=The unlikely role red cows play in war between Israel and Hamas |language=en |access-date=2024-04-25 |via=www.youtube.com}} Time stamp 1:27 indicating West Bank location of the farm</ref> Rabbis consider the cows kosher for sacrifice.<ref>[https://hm-news.co.il/310211/ Five red cows] were flown to Israel: For 2,000 years there were no red cows here. Hamechadesh (The Innovator, Hebrew) August 1, 2022</ref>


==In literature and the arts==
⚫
==See also==
A red heifer plays an important role in the plot of [[Michael Chabon]]'s novel [[The Yiddish Policemen's Union]], a detective story set in an alternative-history Jewish state in Alaska.<ref name="Russell"> {{cite news|url=https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/mysteries-of-the-red-heifer/|title=Mysteries of the Red Heifer|author=James R. Russell|date=16 July 2024|work=[[Times of Israel]]|access-date=6 October 2024}}</ref> The novel won multiple awards including the [[Hugo Award for Best Novel|Hugo]], [[Nebula Award for Best Novel|Nebula]], and [[Locus Award for Best Science Fiction Novel|Locus]].


The birth of a red heifer is a sign of the coming of the Third Temple for a far-right messianic fundamentalist in the movie [[Red Cow (film)|Red Cow]], set in an illegal religious settlement in East Jerusalem. The coming-of-age [[LGBTQ]] film by Israeli director and screenwriter Tsivia Barkai-Yacov premiered at the [[68th Berlin International Film Festival|Berlin Film Festival]] and won three awards at the [[Jerusalem Film Festival]] in 2018.
* [[Akabeko]], a red cow in a different tradition
<ref name="Mintzer"> {{cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/red-cow-para-aduma-review-1088379/|title='Red Cow' ('Para Aduma') Film Review|author=Jordan Mintzer|date=26 February 2018|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|access-date=6 October 2024}}</ref><ref name="Jerusalem Film Festival"> {{cite web |url=https://jff.org.il/en/article/23817|title=2018 Jerusalem Film Festival Awards Announced|website=Jerusalem Film Festival|access-date=6 October 2024}}
</ref>

⚫
== See also ==

* {{annotated link|Akabeko}}
* {{annotated link|White buffalo}}


==References==
==References==
Line 71: Line 77:
*[http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/1504/jewish/Ashes-and-Water.htm "Ashes and Water – From the Chassidic Masters"]
*[http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/1504/jewish/Ashes-and-Water.htm "Ashes and Water – From the Chassidic Masters"]
*[http://www.neirot.com/weekly-parshah/parshat-chukat-the-statute-of-the-torah The Statute of the Torah] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210619151208/http://www.neirot.com/weekly-parshah/parshat-chukat-the-statute-of-the-torah |date=2021-06-19 }}
*[http://www.neirot.com/weekly-parshah/parshat-chukat-the-statute-of-the-torah The Statute of the Torah] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210619151208/http://www.neirot.com/weekly-parshah/parshat-chukat-the-statute-of-the-torah |date=2021-06-19 }}

{{Temple Mount and Al-Aqsa}}


[[Category:Jewish ritual purity law]]
[[Category:Jewish ritual purity law]]

Latest revision as of 18:38, 26 November 2024

A Red Angus cow which is grown by the Temple Institute for the red heifer sacrifice and burning in the reconstruction of the Third Temple in Jerusalem, Israel.
Part of Judaic series of articles on
Ritual purity in Judaism
 Menorah
Purification methods
Hierarchy
Sources of Impurity

In Judaism, the red heifer (Hebrew: פָּרָה אֲדֻמָּה, romanized: parah adumah), also known as the red cow, is a ritually pure heifer sacrificed by the priests to Yahweh that is mentioned in the Torah, and the Bible. Its ashes after being sacrificed and burned were used for the ritual purification as a prelude to building their temple.[1]

Torah

[edit]

The red heifer offering instructions are described in Numbers 19, which states that Israelites and Moses were told by Yahweh to obtain a red heifer without spots, wherein is no blemish, and upon which never came a yoke, was never milked, never pregnant and sacrifice it as in a purification ritual. The red heifer is then slaughtered and burned outside of the camp. Cedarwood, an herb called ezov, and wool dyed scarlet are added to the fire, and the remaining ashes are placed in a vessel containing pure spring water.

To purify a person, water from the vessel is sprinkled on them using a bunch of ezov, on the third and seventh day of the purification process.[2] The Kohen who performs the ritual then himself becomes ritually impure and must then wash himself and his clothes in spring waters. He remains impure until the evening of the day he sprinkled the water of lustration.

Mishnah

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The Mishnah, the central compilation of the Oral Torah in Rabbinic Judaism, the oral component of the Written Torah, contains a tractate on the red heifer sacrifice and burning, which is the tractate Parah ("cow") in Tohorot, which explains the procedures involved. The tractate has no existing Gemara, although commentary on the procedure appears in the Gemara for other tractates of the Talmud.

Details of the law

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According to Mishnah's tractate Parah, the presence of two black hairs invalidates a red heifer, in addition to the usual requirements of an unblemished animal for sacrifice. There are various other requirements, such as natural birth (The caesarian section renders a heifer candidate invalid).[3] The water must be "living" (ie., spring water). This is a stronger requirement than for a mikveh or ritual bath; rainwater accumulated in a cistern is permitted for a mikveh but cannot be used in the red heifer ceremony.

The Mishnah reports that in the days of the Temple in Jerusalem, water for the ritual came from the Pool of Siloam. The ceremony involved was complex and detailed. To ensure the complete ritual purity of those involved, care was taken to ensure that no one involved in the red heifer ceremony could have had any contact with the dead or any form of tumah, and implements were made of materials such as stone, which in halakha do not act as carriers for ritual impurities. The Mishnah recounts that children were used to draw and carry the water for the ceremony, children born and reared in isolation for the specific purpose of ensuring that they never came into contact with a corpse:

There were courtyards in Jerusalem built over the virgin rock and below them a hollow was made lest there might be a grave in the depths, and pregnant women were brought and bore their children there, and there they reared them. And oxen were brought, and on their backs were laid doors on top of which sat the children with cups of stone in their hands. When they arrived in Shiloah the children alighted, and filled the cups with water, and mounted, and again sat on the doors.

— Judah ha-Nasi, Mishnah, Parah

Various other devices were used, including a causeway from the Temple Mount to the Mount of Olives so that the heifer and accompanying priests would not come into contact with a grave.[4]

According to the Mishnah, the ceremony of the sacrifice and burning of the red heifer took place on the Mount of Olives. A ritually pure kohen slaughtered the heifer and sprinkled its blood in the direction of the Temple seven times. The red heifer was then burned on a pyre, together with wool dyed scarlet, hyssop, and cedarwood to ashes. In recent years, the site of the sacrifice and burning of the red heifer on the Mount of Olives has been tentatively located by archaeologist Yonatan Adler.[5]

Color of the heifer

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The heifer's color is described in the Torah as adumah (אדומה‎), which is "red". However, Saadia Gaon translates this word as Judeo-Arabic: صفرا, romanized: safra, a word translated to English as "yellow".[6] In addition, the Quran shows Moses being told about a yellow heifer (Al-Baqara 2:69).

To explain this discrepancy, Yosef Qafih in his Hebrew translation and commentary on Saadia's work argues that the Bible requires the heifer to be red in color, which he says is the normal color of a heifer. He says this color is in general described as אדום‎ in Hebrew and yellow in Arabic, resolving the discrepancy in the color words. He explains the Biblical requirement to mean that the heifer be entirely of this color, and not have blotches or blemishes of a different color.[7]

Jewish traditions

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A red heifer that conforms with all of the requirements imposed by halakha is practically a biological anomaly. For example, the heifer must be entirely brownish red (a series of tests listed by the sages must be performed to ensure this) and the hair of the cow must be absolutely straight (to ensure that the cow had not previously been yoked, as this is a disqualifier). In Jewish history, only nine red heifers were actually slaughtered and burned in the period extending from the time of Moses to the destruction of the Second Temple. Mishnah's tractate Parah recounts them, stating that Moses prepared the first, Ezra prepared the second, Simeon the Just and Johanan the High Priest prepared the third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and Elioenai ben HaQayaph, Ananelus, and Ishmael ben Fabus prepared the seventh, eighth, ninth.[8]

The extreme rarity of the red heifer, combined with the detailed ritual in which it is used, have given the red heifer special status in Jewish tradition. It is cited as the paradigm of a ḥoq, a Jewish law for which there is no logic. Because the state of ritual purity obtained through the ashes of a red heifer is a necessary prerequisite for participating in Temple service, efforts have been made in modern times by Jews wishing for Jewish ritual purity (see tumah and taharah) and in anticipation of the building of the Third Temple to locate a red heifer and recreate the ritual sacrifice and burning. However, multiple candidates have been disqualified and multiple candidates were found at the same time also for the sacrifice and burning.

Also, all red heifer ashes were still in use as late as the time of Jeremiah (III) in the fourth century CE and then were exhausted completely.[9]

Quran

[edit]

In the Quran, a bright yellow cow or heifer is mentioned, as if coloured by saffron. There is no mention of a red cow or heifer.

The second and the longest Surah (chapter) in the Quran is named "Al-Baqara" (Arabic: البقرة "the heifer") after the heifer as the law is related in the surah.

Quran, Al Baqara, Verses 67-71

Remember when Moses said to his people, “God commands you to sacrifice a heifer.” They replied, “Are you mocking us?” Moses responded, “I seek refuge in God from acting foolishly!”

They said, “Call upon God to clarify for us what type of heifer it should be!” He replied, “God says, ‘The heifer should neither be old nor young but in between. So do as you are commanded!’” They said, “Call upon God to specify for us its color.” He replied, “God says, ‘It should be a bright yellow heifer—pleasant to see.’” Again they said, “Call upon God so that he may make clear to us which cow, for all cows look the same to us. Then, God willing, we will be guided to the correct one.”

He replied, “God says, ‘It should have been used neither to till the soil nor water the fields; wholesome and without blemish.’” They said, “Now you have come with the truth.” Yet they still slaughtered and burnt it to ashes hesitantly!

— Dr. Mustafa Khattab, Quran, Al Baqara

[10]

Ibn Kathir explains that, according to Ibn Abbas and Ubayda ibn al-Harith, it displayed the doubtful questioning of the Israelites, who asked multiple questions to Moses without readily following any law from Allah; had they slaughtered a heifer, any heifer, it would have been sufficient for them - but instead, as they made the matter more specified, Allah made it even more specified for them.[11]

Bible

[edit]

The non-canonical Epistle of Barnabas (8:1) explicitly equates the red heifer with Jesus. In the New Testament, the phrases "without the gate" (Hebrews 13:12) and "without the camp" (Numbers 19:3, Hebrews 13:13) have been taken to be not only an identification of Jesus with the red heifer, but an indication as to the location of his crucifixion and death in Calvary.[12]

Modern day red heifers

[edit]
Main article: Temple Institute

The Temple Institute, an organization dedicated to the reconstruction of the Third Temple in Jerusalem, Israel, has identified red heifer candidates consistent with the requirements of Numbers 19:1–22 and Mishnah's tractate Parah.[13][14] In recent years, the institute thought to have identified two candidates, one in 1997 and another in 2002.[15] The Temple Institute had initially declared both blemishless for sacrifice and burning but later found to be defective and were removed from sacrifice and burning. The institute has been raising funds in order to use modern technology to produce a red heifer that is genetically based on the Red Angus cattle.[16] In September 2018, the institute announced a red heifer candidate was born, saying the heifer is currently a viable candidate and will be examined to see whether it possesses the necessary qualifications for the red heifer.[17][18] In September 2022, five red heifers were imported from the United States and transferred to a breeding farm in Israel for the sacrifice and burning. Rabbis have found the cows blemishless for sacrifice and burning.[19]

In literature and the arts

[edit]

A red heifer plays an important role in the plot of Michael Chabon's novel The Yiddish Policemen's Union, a detective story set in an alternative-history Jewish state in Alaska.[20] The novel won multiple awards including the Hugo, Nebula, and Locus.

The birth of a red heifer is a sign of the coming of the Third Temple for a far-right messianic fundamentalist in the movie Red Cow, set in an illegal religious settlement in East Jerusalem. The coming-of-age LGBTQ film by Israeli director and screenwriter Tsivia Barkai-Yacov premiered at the Berlin Film Festival and won three awards at the Jerusalem Film Festival in 2018. [21][22]

See also

[edit]
  • Akabeko – Legendary cow from Japan, inspiring a toy
  • White buffalo – American bison considered sacred in several Native American religions

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Carmichael, Calum (2022). The Book of Numbers: a Critique of Genesis. New Haven, Connecticut: Yale University Press. pp. 103–121. ISBN 9780300179187.
  2. ^ Numbers 19:18–19
  3. ^ Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Parah Adumah 1:7
  4. ^ Mishnayoth Seder Taharoth, translated and annotated by Phillip Blackman, Judaica Press, 2000.
  5. ^ Adler, Y. (2002). "The Site of the Burning of the Red Heifer on the Mount of Olives". Techumin (in Hebrew). 22: 537–542.
  6. ^ See also Job 16:16 where Saadiah uses ṣafrā to describe a red-flushed face.
  7. ^ Yosef Qafih, Perushei Rabbeinu Saadiah Gaon al haTorah, footnote to Numbers 19:2.
  8. ^ Mishnah's tractate Parah, verse 3:5
  9. ^ Jerusalem Talmud, Brachot 6:1, according to Or Yesharim commentary and Rome manuscript where בי חנוותא is replaced by מי חטאתה
  10. ^ "Al Baqara". Quran.com.
  11. ^ "Tafsir Ibn Kathir on Al Baqara, Quran - The doubtful questioning of the Israelites regarding the red heifer; and Allah made the matter specified for them". www.qtafsir.com. Retrieved 1 February 2019.
  12. ^ Martin, Ernest L. (1988). Secrets of Golgotha: The Forgotten History of Christ's Crucifixion. ASK Publications. ISBN 978-0945657774.
  13. ^ "The Mystery of the Red Heifer: Divine Promise of Purity". templeinstitute.org. The Temple Institute. 2008-01-31. Archived from the original on 2020-02-23. Retrieved 2015-06-03.
  14. ^ "Apocalypse Heifer". The New York Times. March 30, 1997. Retrieved December 21, 2013.
  15. ^ "News Flash: A red heifer is born in Israel!". templeinstitute.org. The Temple Institute. Archived from the original on 2020-02-23. Retrieved 2015-06-03.
  16. ^ Zieve, Tamara (August 13, 2015). "The quest for the red heifer: An ancient law meets modern technology". Retrieved August 15, 2015.
  17. ^ Dellatto, Marisa (9 September 2018). "Prophecy fulfilled after a red heifer is born at the Temple of Jerusalem, Israel". nypost.com. New York Post.
  18. ^ "Apocalyptic heifer: Does the first red heifer born in Israel portend evil news for us all?". walla.co.il (in Hebrew). Walla. 15 September 2018. Retrieved November 6, 2020.
  19. ^ Five red heifers were flown to Israel: For 2,000 years there were no red heifers here. Hamechadesh (The Innovator, Hebrew) August 1, 2022
  20. ^ James R. Russell (16 July 2024). "Mysteries of the Red Heifer". Times of Israel. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
  21. ^ Jordan Mintzer (26 February 2018). "'Red Cow' ('Para Aduma') Film Review". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
  22. ^ "2018 Jerusalem Film Festival Awards Announced". Jerusalem Film Festival. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
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