4,053. Four Temporary Blemishes and Four Other Conditions

Hilchos Issurei Mizbeiach 2:7

There are four temporary blemishes that disqualify both a person (i.e., a kohein from serving) and an animal (from being brought as an offering): (1) a moist patch of skin; (2) a boil unlike those of the Egypt plague; (3) water that blurs the vision but is not a permanent condition; (4) a temporary degeneration of the optic nerves.

Hilchos Issurei Mizbeiach 2:8

Four other conditions will invalidate an animal from use as an offering because such animals are not of the highest quality, and Deuteronomy 12:11 says “from the choicest of your vows.” These are: (1) an animal with a growth in the sclera of its eye, but without hair growing from it; (2) if an animal’s horns withered but the interior collagen was unaffected; (3) if the inner tonsils (or teeth) were reduced; or (4) the inner tonsils (or teeth) withered. A consecrated animal with one of these defects is neither offered nor redeemed. Rather, it is left to graze until it develops a full-fledged blemish. The Rambam opines that if such an animal was offered, the sacrifice is valid.

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