QUESTION: Does the mitzvah of V’kidashto (honoring a Kohen) apply only to male Kohanim, or does it also apply to daughters and wives of Kohanim?

ANSWER: It is clear from all the sources that the mitzvah of V’kidashto applies only to male Kohanim (Sefer Kedushas HaKohanim K’Hilchasa 2:1). The Torah states that one should sanctify the Kohen since he offers the Korbanos (sacrifices) in the Beis Hamikdash. This description applies only to men and not to women. Although the daughters of Kohanim are entitled to eat Teruma and some Korbanos that are designated only for Kohanim, they are not eligible to serve in the Beis Hamikdash.

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The Gerald & Karin Feldhamer OU Kosher Halacha Yomis is dedicated to the memory of Rav Yisroel Belsky, zt"l, who served as halachic consultant for OU Kosher for more than 28 years; many of the responses in Halacha Yomis are based on the rulings of Rabbi Belsky. Subscribe to the Halacha Yomis daily email here.