3,918. When the Kohanim Are Ritually Unclean

Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 4:9

If there’s a communal offering to be brought and all the kohanim are ritually unclean, the offering is eaten by blemished kohanim of the watch on duty who are ritually clean. The hide goes to the kohanim of that watch even though they’re ritually unclean.

Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 4:10

If an offering belongs to the Kohein Gadol and he’s in a state of bereavement (aninus), he can give it to any other kohein he wishes, while the hide belongs to the watch on duty that week. Since the Kohein Gadol is able to serve even in a state of bereavement – as we will see – he can appoint an agent for his offering.