Daf Yomi, Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, Torah and Psychology, Marriage Counseling, Psychotherapy
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the status of a mincha sacrifice or an Olah or Shelamim sacrifice that was slaughtered (or the mincha equivalent, kemitza—taking a handful for the altar) without being for the sake of the petitioner. In such a case, the mincha or sacrifice remains valid, but the owner does not fulfill the obligation of his pledge.
Despite this, the Gemara says one is still obligated to complete the rest of the service with intent for the sake of the owner.
In an interesting modern halachic twist, Shaalos Uteshuvos Torah Lishmah (32) discusses the obligation of recitation of Shema, even when the obligation cannot be fulfilled. The scenario is as follows:
Shulchan Aruch (OC 63) rules that one must have intention when reciting the first verse of Shema; if he did not, he must repeat it. However, there is a prohibition against reciting Shema twice, because it has an implication of two deities. So what does one do if he noticed after the first verse that he did not have intention? He cannot repeat it immediately because of the above concern, so the custom is that he should recite the entire first paragraph and then start over.
The question of the Shaalos Uteshuvos Torah Lishmah is this: Is this person, who is saying the rest of the first paragraph, obligated in all the typical rules of recitation (such as intention and not to interrupt with motioning to someone), despite this recitation lacking the ability to fulfill the mitzvah? Based on our very Gemara, he rules that one is still obligated in all the details.
It occurs to me that this is the ultimate lishmah, performing a mitzvah for its own sake out of devotion with no expectation of reward. After all, the sacrifice no longer achieves the purpose of fulfilling the pledge, and another sacrifice will need to be brought. Yet, it is still forbidden to deviate from the protocol.
(As an aside, the name of the sefer is Shaalos Uteshuvos Torah Lishmah, and the siman is 32, gematria for lev—heart.)
Translations Courtesy of Sefaria, except when, sometimes, I disagree with the translation
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Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, LCSW-R, LMFT, DHL is a psychotherapist who works with high conflict couples and families. He can be reached via email at simchafeuerman@gmail.com