QUESTION: Does the mitzva of V’kidashto (honoring a Kohen) apply to a Kohen who is a katan (under the age of bar mitzvah)?

ANSWER: There is a difference of opinion whether one is obligated to honor a Kohen who is under the age of bar mitzvah.

The Maharit (1:145) writes that although a katan is too young to be deserving of honor, one must still show him kavod since the honor is not for the child but for the institution of Kehuna. According to Maharit, if the only Kohen in the Shul is a katan, he should be called for the first aliya.

The Magen Avrohom (282:6) disagrees. He writes that the mitzvah of V’kidashto does not apply to a katan. The pasuk states that one is obligated to honor a Kohen because he is designated to offer Korbanos (sacrifices) in the Beis Hamikdash. One who is not yet bar mitzvah age is not included in this mitzvah because he is too young to serve in the Beis Hamikdash. The common practice follows the Magen Avrohom, and even if there is no other Kohen, a katan is not called up for the aliya.

Although according to the Magen Avrohom there is no mitzvah to give honor to a katan, it is not clear whether one may use a Kohen katan for one’s benefit. Ksav Sofer (OC 15) writes that because of the doubt, one may not do so. Aruch Hashulchan (128:72) implies that we are lenient.

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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.