Kollel Iyun Hadaf Zevachim 000: When Kohen Begins Learning Halachos of Avodah
Zevachim 000: When Kohen Begins Learning Halachos of Avodah Chaim asks: Where
is the stam mishnah that tell us when cohen is obliged to begin his
study of halacha for his avodah in the beis hamikdash, at what age he
begins that avodah, ett. Until he is no longer obliged for annual
mishmeret (milloim) and then the becomes teacher in Beit Raban ? THANKS ! | The Kollel replies: Shalom Chaim Meyer, 1)
I do see that the Gemara in Chulin 24a indicates that there is not much
limitation on the age range for a Kohen. He does have to be a man
rather than a boy, i.e. physically mature (two hairs; see Rashi DH
mishe'Yavi). Also, once he is so old and weak that his body quivers, he
is not fit to serve anymore (see Chulin 24b, Rashi DH she'Yiratet). Incidentally, you will see in the same Gemara that there is a restricted age range during which a Levi may serve, including five years of training from age 25 to 30, during which he learns the laws of the Avodah. 2)
Notwithstanding the age limitations that we discussed above, there are
instances where we see the young Kohanim -- even as children under Bar
Mitzvah -- participating in Beis ha'Mikdash activities, sometimes to
assist parts of the service, though not Avodah per se. For instance, in
Maseches Sukah (Mishnah 5:2; Daf 51a), we learn that the children
Kohanim would climb the tall ladders to deposit oil into the lights
which would burn for the Simchas Beis ha'Sho'evah celebration. Other
examples where the Pirchei Kehunah play a role in the Beis ha'Mikdash
are found in the following: Midos 3:8 regarding climbing the golden
chains to glimpse the crowns of the Heichal; Sanhedrin 9:6 regarding the
punishment of a Kohen who served while Tamei; Yoma 1:7 regarding the
effort to keep the Kohen Gadol awake all night of Yom Kippur; Tamid 1:l
regarding sleeping on the floor in the Beis ha'Moked. I hope this helps! Yishai Rasowsky | | |
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