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Tumas Kohein for Relatives Missing Body Parts

A Cohen cannot be metamay to a relative that is not “whole” certainly a missing arm or leg would be included but where do we draw the line? What about a missing eye? what about an internal organ like appendix or womb or tonsils? what about missing teeth?

Answer:

Internal organs are also considered to be a lack which renders the body incomplete, and hence a kohen would not be metamay.

However, this is only if the detraction from the body takes place after death.

Sources:

Shulchan Aruch Y:D 379:9. Shu”t Minchas Yitzchak 5:9:21, Shevet Halvi 3:161:4, Tzitz Eliezer 9:48.

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2 Comments

  1. just to be clear, so if a person lost a leg while alive the relative who is a cohen can be metay?

    1. yes, this opinion is brought in shulchan aruch and the minhag is to rely on it, see tshuvot vehanagot 4:279

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