3,982. Bereaved Kohanim

Hilchos Bias HaMikdash 2:7

We see that the service of a kohein in a state of bereavement is invalid from a kal v’chomer (an argument a fortiori). A kohein with a physical defect may eat from sacrifices but if he performs the service, it is profaned. It follows logically that one who is bereaved and not permitted to eat from sacrifices would likewise profane the service. (That one may not eat sanctified foods in a bereaved state is explicit in Deuteronomy 26:14.)

Hilchos Bias HaMikdash 2:8

While a Kohein Gadol is permitted to serve in a state of bereavement, he may not eat from sacrifices, as per Leviticus 10:19: “If I had eaten from the sin offering today, would it have been favorable in God’s eyes?” Similarly, he doesn’t join in dividing the sacrifices in order to eat from them at night. If a bereaved person serves, he is not subject to the penalty of lashes. He may touch the sacrifices even though he didn’t immerse in a mikvah because the only restriction is on eating. When it comes to touching things, he is ritually clean, as will be discussed IY”H in Hilchos Sh’ar Avos HaTumos.