Exemptions from Mitzvahs

Question:

Hello,
I was wondering if there are any examples of a case where one’s circumstances make it exceedingly difficult to perform a mitzvah and therefore the torah exempts them from it, or perhaps changes it for them (besides Pesach Sheni), perhaps there are cases of one who was too poor to make a Korban and the Torah would exempt them from it? In addition, what would one who did not own land and was involved with other trades bring on the shalosh regalilm and during all required times of tithing?

Thank you very much, this service has been of tremendous service to me in my development of my knowledge in Judaism and I am very grateful

Answer:

Thank you for the compliment, it is appreciated.

Regarding your question, as a rule throughout the torah “ones rachmana patrei” that if there are conditions beyond a person’s control that he is exempt from doing the mitzva. The exact definition and practical application of this really depends on the individual circumstances and has to be evaluated on a case to case basis.

Included in this are cases when there were decrees against doing many of the mitzvos, a person who is sick, times when a person is too poor to be able to do the mitzva. Regarding a korban, there are certain korbanos that a poor person is permitted to bring a little bit of flour an tht is sufficient, due to his circumstances.

Regarding tithing, a person that doesn’t any produce, he is also exempt from tithing, but not because he is an “ones”, rather because the mitzva only applies under certain circumstances, and of the person doesn’t have these circumstances the obligation doesn’t apply to him. Another example would be tithing sheep, or giving ones first born animal to the kohen. The mitzva only applies when applicable, and not to everyone.

It is wonderful that you find this site helpful… that is what we are here for!

Best wishes