Set Apart for Me Every Firstborn That Opens the Womb

"And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying: Sanctify to Me" (Exodus 13:1-2). "Sanctify to Me" means nothing other than "set apart." One might think that if you set it apart it is consecrated, and if not it is not consecrated; therefore Scripture teaches "it is [Mine]," whether you set it apart or do not set it apart. "Whatever opens the womb" — this excludes one born by caesarean section [literally, one that comes out the side]. "Among the children of Israel." I have only Israel; from where to include converts and freed slaves? Scripture teaches "firstborn," every firstborn. From here you say: a female convert whose conception was not in holiness but whose birth was in holiness — the child is a firstborn for inheritance but not a firstborn for the priest's redemption. Rabbi Yose the Galilean says: a firstborn both for inheritance and for the priest, as it is said, "whatever opens the womb among the children of Israel," until they open a womb in Israel. "Among man and among beast" — that which you have of it among man you have of it among beast; the Levites are excluded, for since you have nothing of it among them as men, you shall have nothing of it among them as beasts. "It is Mine" — certainly, and not in a case of doubt. "It is Mine" — whether you set it apart or do not set it apart. "It is Mine" — there is only one firstborn for inheritance. "It is Mine" — it is offered, but its substitute is not offered.