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Pidyon Ha-Ben

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Maimonides:
What is your opinion of Pidyon Ha-Ben (Redemption of the First Born)?

http://www.jewishaz.com/commdir/page.mv?0601

--- Quote ---The pidyon ha-ben ceremony takes place on the 30th day after the birth of a first-born son. The tradition is based on the biblical understanding that first-born sons were dedicated to serve G-d in the temple. In order to redeem them from that obligation, five shekels were exchanged with the temple priests, who then served in the temple instead of the first-born.

The ceremony today involves a symbolic exchange of five silver coins with a descendant of the Kohen family of temple priests. The coins then may be donated to a Jewish charity
--- End quote ---

Should it still be a tradition now since there is no Temple right now and how many mohels are really legitimate Kohanim?

In addition what if a Jewish family is poor and cannot afford five silver coins?

Things like this turn-off many Jews from Judaism because it causes them to see religion as an organized scheme to steal them of their money.

Lubab:
Just wanted to let you know I responded to this question on my thread:

http://jtf.org/forum_english/index.php?board=74.0

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