Important Message Regarding This Lesson
The Daily Mitzvah schedule runs parallel to the daily study of 3 chapters of Maimonides' 14-volume code. There are instances when the Mitzvah is repeated a few days consecutively while the exploration of the same Mitzvah continues in the in-depth track.
Shearing an Animal Designated for Sacrifice
"And do not shear the firstborn of your sheep"—Deuteronomy 15:19.
It is forbidden to shear an animal designated for sacrifice.
The Paschal Offering
"And the entire assembly of the congregation of Israel shall slaughter it in the afternoon"—Exodus 12:6.
Every individual is commanded to offer [or participate in a group that is offering] the Paschal Sacrifice on the afternoon of the fourteenth of Nissan [the eve of Passover]—even if this day falls on the Shabbat.
Sacrificing the Paschal Offering with Chametz in One's Possession
"You shall not offer the blood of my sacrifice with leavened bread"—Exodus 23:18.
It is forbidden to have chametz (leavened bread) in one's possession from the onset of the time when the Paschal Offering is brought—noon of the fourteenth of Nissan [the eve of Passover].
This prohibition applies to all those who are participating in the eating of the sacrifice, the priest who slaughters it, the priest who sprinkles its blood on the altar, and the priest who offers its fats on the altar.
Leaving Overnight the Fats of the Paschal Offering
"Neither shall the fat of My sacrifice remain until the morning"—Exodus 23:18.
It is forbidden to leave unsacrificed the fats of the Paschal Offering that are designated to be burnt on the altar, until they become invalid for offering [i.e., until the following morning].
