pidyon haBen

See also: pidyon haben and Pidyon Haben

English

Alternative forms

• pidyon haben
• Pidyon Haben

Etymology

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

Noun

pidyon haBen (usually uncountable, plural pidyon haBens)

1. (Judaism) A ceremony in which a firstborn son is redeemed by a kohen, in order to release him from his obligation from serving in the Temple.
   • 1996, Macy Nulman, The Encyclopedia of Jewish Prayer, page 287:

     The Pidyon Haben applies to the firstborn of the mother only; thus, if one has four or five sons born to him by four or five virgin wives, he is bound to redeem them all.