Kohanim Visiting Hospitals

One of the well-known restrictions relating to a Kohen is the prohibition against coming into contact with the dead. Not only is it forbidden for a Kohen to touch or even come in close proximity to a dead person, but even being under the same roof as a dead person is forbidden, as well. As such, Kohanim who need to enter a hospital should make an effort to inquire whether there are any dead bodies currently in the building. This is especially true in Israel where most dead bodies in any hospital are likely to be those of Jews, in which the prohibition is most severe.[1] If such information is unattainable, a Kohen would be permitted to enter a hospital for non-life threatening treatments or to visit a patient if it can be assumed that the majority of patients in the hospital are not Jewish.[2] Even so, a Kohen is encouraged to conduct himself stringently whenever possible even with regard to non-Jewish dead bodies.[3]

A Kohen who has determined that he is permitted to enter a hospital may go ahead and visit sick patients, and he need not be concerned that someone might die while he is there. This is based largely on the Talmudic concept that "most sick people are healed."[4] This is especially true regarding hospitals and other medical institutions that generally service patients who are not dangerously ill. On the other hand, a Kohen should not visit an institution where patients are likely to die, such as a hospice.[5] A Kohen who is visiting a person who seems to be in his final moments of life should leave unless his presence is urgently needed.[6]

A Kohen may only accept employment in a hospital on condition that he will be able to leave the building in the event that a Jewish patient passes away.[7] A Kohen who is a patient in a hospital and is informed that a Jewish patient has died should close the door of his room until the deceased is moved to the morgue or out of the building.[8] A woman who gives birth to a male Kohen should endeavor to leave the hospital as quickly as possible in order to avoid any questions of defilement regarding her baby.[9]

[1] Sota 44a; Aruch Hashulchan, YD 371:27. It is a matter of dispute whether a non-Jewish corpse conveys impurity to those under the same roof. A Kohen is advised to conduct himself stringently. YD 372:2.

[2] Igrot Moshe, YD 2:166.

[3] YD 372:2.

[4] Teshurat Shai 559.

[5] Teshuvot V'hanhagot 1:677.

[6] Nishmat Avraham, YD 339:4.

[7] Igrot Moshe, YD 1:248. See also Nishmat Avraham, YD 370:22.

[8] Nishmat Avraham, YD 372:1.

[9] Nishmat Avraham, OC 343:2.