Shaliah Explained

In Jewish law, a shaliaḥ (Hebrew: שָלִיחַ, pronounced as /he/; pl., sheliḥim pronounced as /he/ or sheliah, literally "emissary" or "messenger") is a legal agent. In practice, "the shaliaḥ for a person is as this person himself."[1] Accordingly, a shaliaḥ performs an act of legal significance for the benefit of the sender, as opposed to him or herself.

Terminology

The legal agent is referred to by the terms and , both of which mean "one who is sent". The person whom the agent is representing is known as the () or as the (), both of which mean "one who is sending". The concept of agency overall or the status of being a shaliach is known as ().

Biblical sources

The term does not occur in the Bible as a noun,[2] though the verb lishloach ("to send") is frequently used to describe sending a messenger or agent.[3]

The first shaliaḥ inferred in the Bible is the servant in Genesis 24 who was sent by Abraham to find a wife for Isaac (according to the rabbis, this servant was named Eliezer).

In halakha

The Talmud learns from 18:28 HE that any Jewish male or female may appoint an agent, as can servants and maidservants working under a Jew's care. A shaliaḥ however, may only be appointed for a mitzvah or other halakhic Jewish legal affairs that he or she is obligated in.[4]

Mitzvot that are performed on one's own body, such as wearing tefillin, cannot be performed on one's own behalf by a shaliah.

Many of the halakhic Jewish legal affairs that may be performed through a shaliah:

See also

References

  1. Carl F. H. Henry, ed. (1958). Revelation and the Bible: Contemporary Evangelical Thought. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House. p. 192.
  2. Wilhelm Schneemelcher, Robert McLachlan Wilson (2003). New Testament Apocrypha: Writings relating to the Apostles. 0664227228 Page 7. The adjectival noun Απόστολος occurs in LXX only in a single passage, as a translation of the Hebrew shaluach (passive participle of shalach - 1 Kings 14:6)."
  3. http://mg.alhatorah.org/Dictionary/7971 Dictionary - Mikraot Gedolot - AlHaTorah.org
  4. See Gittin 23b
  5. "The godfather became known in medieval times by many names in addition to the ancient designation of "sandek." He is called "ba'al berit" (master of the covenant), "ba'al berit ha-milah" (master of the covenant of circumcision), "ṭofes ha-yeled" (holder of the child), "ab sheni" (second father), and also "shaliaḥ" (messenger) (..) Primarily, one who assists in the performance of the rite of circumcision by holding the child upon his knees; secondarily, one who in a measure takes the place of the father, interesting himself in the lad's welfare." Web site: GODFATHER. JewishEncyclopedia.com. 1 May 2012.

External links