EXTREME MAKEOVER: Temple Edition ~ The Laws on G-d’s Residence of Choice Rambam: Hilchot Beit HaBechira. Chapter 7; 23a
Episode #72 – “CHOICE OF EVILS”
In the previous Episode we learnt about certain restrictions on access being loosened to allow for the entry of professional craftspeople for constructive or reparative purposes.
Although entering these sacred (otherwise restricted) areas for technical reasons is permitted, a sliding scale of limitations, even for these allowances still apply.
Ideally the ritually pure "Priest Perfect" professional should be engaged, if that option is unavailable a Cohen with deformities would be our next choice. If there are no priestly professionals to be found, then, at the very least, we'd seek a for member of the Levite Tribe.
If there are no professional craftspeople with Levite lineage, we are permitted to settle for a common Israelite. However, in every eventuality ritual purity remained a high priority!
In this Episode we will focus making the tough choice between imperfect options. Which would be the preferable (albeit problematic) solution, the physically blemished or ritually impure Cohen?
Here we'll delve into the Law and Order and of how we Define Deficiencies. Interestingly we cross into the theoretical jurisprudence that governs the ritual rules of public impurity suspensions and the way we view sacred consumptions.
We end Chapter Seven of Hilchot Beit HaBechira with Boxed-in possibilities and final resort of employing a Grand Entrance!
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