Nature of the Asham/1

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Nature of the Asham

Introduction

This topic has not yet undergone editorial review

Common Denominator?

Vayikra 5:14-26 details the laws of the Asham, listing three transgressions for which one is required to bring it. The first (v.15-16) and third cases (v.20-25) both relate to the theft.  One who has unintentionally benefited from that which was sanctified to Hashem (מעילה) or one who has taken property belonging to another and denies this under oath1 are both obligated not only to return the theft and add a fifth but also to bring an Asham. The second case  known as אשם תלוי, is understood by most2 to refer to a scenario in which one is unsure whether or not they have transgressed a commandment.3  

Outside of Parashat Vayikra we learn of three other individuals who must also bring an Asham: a Metzora as part of his purification process (Vayikra 14:10-20), one who has had relations with a pledged servant, a שפחה חרופה (Vayikra 19:20) and a NAzirite who has been defiled by the dead (Bemidbar 6:9-12).