Daily Mitzvot

Break the neck of firstling male donkey if not been redeemed

 

 “If you do not redeem it you shall break the back of its neck” Shmos 34:20

Breaking the neck is by striking its neck until it dies.

Specifically using a butcher’s hatchet and not anything else and not by another type of death.

It is forbidden to derive any benefit even after its neck is broken.

It must be buried and it is forbidden to burn it.

This applies in all places and all times for men and women.

Kohen and Levi are exempt. 

 

According to the Zohar the book of kabbalah/Jewish mysticism the donkey refers to one’s evil inclination and the approach one should have to eradicating their negative traits.