Is linah (staying over the night after a regel) an obligation when a korban is brought or even if you don't bring a korban? What is the source?
Zev Kraut, Cleveland
Dear Zev,
All agree that there is Linah after a Korban or Bikurim. Linah is also mentioned by the Shalosh Regalim, but it is a Machlokes how many days and if it is even without a Korban. When not during a Regel, there are some opinions that Linah exists even without a Korban, but only when a Mitzvah is involved, like if he is a Shali'ach for a Korban, or Lulav in Yerushalayim, etc. (see Sukah 47a and Tosfos, Rosh Hashanah 5a and Tosfos, Yoma 3a and Tosfos, Rambam Hilchos Bikurim 3:14, and see also Talmudic Encyclopedia entry "Linah" (in Yerushalayim, at length).
All the best,
Reuven Weiner