A Guide to Plan Your Pidyon Haben

A first baby boy is born – what do you do next? 

Thanks to Devorah Weisz who spearheaded this topic when she wrote to us, “I am B”H making a Pidyon Haben for my first grandchild. I checked your website to see if you had any guidance, but this page is missing from your website. Would you want to work on one?”

Devorah started us off with the list, and once the topic was suggested, we asked others who had made multiple pidyons for grandchildren to help us complete it.

A Pidyon Haben is held 30 days after the birth of a first born baby boy. The reason why it’s rare is because the couple’s first baby needs to be a boy, and neither the mother or the father can be a Kohen or Levi–only Yisraelim need to do Pidyon HaBen. Because the Jewish firstborns were saved during Makkas Bechoros, where the firstborns in Egypt were all killed, the firstborns are redeemed from a Kohen today.

There is no Pidyon held for babies born through C-Section. If the mother previously suffered a miscarriage, ask your Rav if a Pidyon is applicable.

If it is your first son/grandson and a Pidyon is in order, mazel tov! Here’s what you need to do or gather together:

–Book the Hall & Caterer. This needs to be booked ASAP as you need a specific date and time. For many people, this event will be about the same size as a small bar mitzvah. The bar mitzvah boys have a 13 year head start on locating a hall.

–Invite Guests. Phone calls/text invitations are fine as there is a short term around time. 

–Get 5 Silver Coins. In Israel they have special coins which are made for a Pidyon Haben. In America, silver dollar coins are used. Five coins are needed to redeem the baby.

–The Kohen. Appoint a Kohen who will be the one who will redeem the baby.

–Large Silver Tray. You will need a tray that at the very least is about 20” long (to hold the baby). A silverplated one will work just fine. 

–Blanket to Lay the Baby On

–Pretty Outfit for the Baby

–Garlic and Sugar Cubes Pekelach. It’s a custom to give out garlic and sugar cubes, to allow as many people as possible to “partake” of the meal. These are items that last a long time and can be included in other foods that many people eat from, extending their ability to include more people in the Pidyon Haben meal. 

–Bencher Cards with Pidyon Haben text. As this is a one-of-a-kind event, people like to follow along. Your local printer that prints bencher cards for simchas should have this available. 

–Wine & Becher. Wine and a becher is needed as part of the Pidyon Haben ceremony. 

–Yom Tov Clothing. Parents of the baby should be dressed in nice clothing to show their excitement for this mitzvah. (Shabbos clothing is appropriate for guests who are attending.)

–Gold Safety Pins for Jewelry. This can be useful, although not necessary at all. The minhag is to decorate the baby with jewelry. Unfortunately, there have been stories of pieces going missing. Safety pins are useful to secure the jewelry to the baby’s clothing.