The redemption of the firstborn is a significant Jewish custom with roots in biblical times. It originated from the Israelites being spared from the tenth plague in Egypt, as they followed God’s commands. All firstborn sons (and animals) were considered to belong to God, but with the establishment of the tribe of Levi, a redemption ritual called pidyon ha’Ben was introduced. This involved the father redeeming his firstborn son by offering five shekels of silver to a priest.