1. Introduction general

Location on the Mishna

Demai belongs to the first order of the Mishnah, Seder Zeraimdedicated to law agricultural relevant in the life of ancient Israel. This order includes, among other topics: tithes, teruma, shmitah, agriculture, social justice, and holiness of the land.

Demai continues to the treaty Peah, which is not casual: Peah is the obligation of leaving food to the poor; Demai deals with the risk of food available in the market has not fulfilled the obligations of tithing.

Meaning of the term “Demai”

The word דמאי it comes from the root דמאי? – מה זה?, which means “what is it?”.

That is to say: "product doubtful".

Demai refers to agricultural products acquired farmers are not reliable in the fulfillment of the commandments of teruma and tithes (Am Haaretz). There is No presumption that have broken, but there is no certainty.

The sages established that certain tithes debian taken by a mandatory products Demai to avoid transgressions of the Torah.

STUDY IN ENGLISH IN 30 MINUTES ALL THE TREATY DEMAI

Context historical

During the Second Temple period, especially between the centuries I.C and I d.C, there was:

• A system of agriculture based on religious obligations.
• A population with different levels of knowledge and observance.
• An ever-growing trade in urban markets.

The question was: Is it safe to consume what they are purchasing?
Demai is the answer rabinica to that problem.

Beginning juridico central

The wise took:

“Most of the people separates teruma, but many neglect to tithe later.”

Therefore, Teruma Gedola it is not required again in products Demai, but the other tithes, especially the Maaser Rishon and Maaser Ani/Maaser Sheniif they are to be rectified.

STUDY IN ENGLISH IN 30 MINUTES ALL THE TREATY DEMAI

Doctrinal summary main treaty

STUDY BY CHAPTERS

Chapter 1 – Products required and exceptions

Content

Defines which products are subject to the law of Demai and which are exempt.

Key points

• Not all food is suspect.
• Wild fruit, food is not used as the main support, and product distribution rabinica officer does not require grinding.
• Products purchased directly from a companion reliable (Javer) are exempt.

Context and logic

The court system for rabbinic distinction between real risk and excess of caution. The law does not seek to hinder daily life, but controlling it with realism.

Comment

This chapter establishes the border between the reasonable suspicion and paranoia religious, preserving social and commercial life.

Chapter 2 – Rules for those who purchase prepared foods

Content

Regulates cases in which the food is processed can be consumed without separating tithes.

Examples

• Bread bought from the baker common.
• Food prepared in taverns.

Distinction halajica

If the farmer processes the food, the suspicion increases. If the urban craftsman is processed, the risk decreases because the wise influian but in urban contexts.

Comment

This chapter shows the encounter between jewelry and the economy-urban: the market can not stop; the jewelry must be adapted without losing principles.

Chapter 3 – Blessings and property of the fruit

Content

Discusses cases where there are doubts whether the person had the right to separate tithe of the good purchased.

Central axis

Only the true owner with authority and legal can separate tithes.

If there is doubt about the ownership, the grinding may become invalid.

Comment

This chapter reveals the seriousness legal maaser: it is not a ritual; it is a transfer legal sacred.

Chapter 4 – Guests and community obligations

Content

Determines whether host or guest you must separate the tithe when you are served food of dubious origin.

General rules

• Whether the food belongs to the host: the host complies with the obligation.
• If you belong to the guest, the guest must rectify.

Social context

The chapter reflects standards of hospitality and avoid tensions halajicas on the table.

Comment

Judaism does not sacrifice the coexistence on technicalities. The jewelry creates harmony, not obstacles.

Chapter 5 – Workers, slaves and dependents

Content

Regulates the supply of workers hired, if they require food rectified.

Moral principle

"Who hires workers have the obligation to feed them with foods permitted according to the law."

Comment

This chapter reveals the fusion between jewelry agricola and worker justice. It is not just food, but of dignity.

Chapter 6 – Poverty, Charity and Exemptions

Content

Determines when the poor can eat Demai without rectifying.

Main rule

The poor and soldiers can eat Demai without rendering again, in order not to hinder their livelihood.

Comment

This chapter expresses the principle rabbinic:

The jewelry protect before require.

Do not punish the need; it makes life easier.

Chapter 7 – Declarations of trust, and systems of certification

Content

Defines who is reliable in the matter of tithes and as one person can recover credibility.

Social structure

Creates a category legal: the "javer", verified person in their enforcement.

To become javer, the person must accept commitments public and be supervised.

Comment

This chapter constitutes the precursor to the historical with the modern system certification, kosher.

General conclusions

1. Main purpose

To protect the fulfillment of the Torah in a social context where not all of them were observers or experts.

2. Method

Create a balance between presuncion, social control, reasonableness and flexibility.

3. Contribution historico

Demai shows a society in transition: from the countryside to the city, agriculture, tribal trade sophisticated.

4. Value teologico

It teaches that holiness is not theoretical; it enters into the daily life through discipline and justice.

Phrase definitive of the treaty

Demai teaches how to live in a world where the sanctity depends on human responsibility, even when others do not meet.