The variable chatas offering allows those of all economic backgrounds to gain atonement as they bring an offering based on what they can afford. But on a normal chatas, what does the shogeg do if we can't afford the animal? Does he go without atonement?
Barry Epstein, Dallas, USA
A Chatas is considered inexpensive. It can be bought for even one Danka. Nevertheless, regarding the variable Chatas, the Torah was lenient for the pauper.
Of course, as is well known, Mitzvos cost money (as we read each day in the Shema, "You shall love Hash-m... with all of your money.")
D. Zupnik
How can a bull be inexpensive? It would appear today that a poor person who not be able to afford to buy a bull for a chatas.
Barry Epstein, Dallas, USA
The Chatas offering was a female sheep or goat, less than one year old. It was not considered an expensive item, and the Gemara testifies in a number of places (e.g. Shevuos 37a). That's at most 32 Perutos, or about $1.00.
Be well,
Mordecai Kornfeld