Literally, Redemption of the Firstborn. When they are thirty days old, firstborn sons pass through a festive ceremony known as pidyon ha-ben, based on the Biblical command that the firstborn male offspring of both man and beast be dedicated to the service of God. All children but those of priests, or Kohanim, must be “redeemed” or released from this dedication. In ancient times this was done by offering a special sacrifice; since the destruction of the Temple it has become customary to give money to charity instead.