Ask the Rabbi
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- The Temple and Sacrifices
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Question
My wife and I have a 18-month old son. I am (as well as my son!) a cohen. We have noticed that he likes to use his left hand more than his right. I vaguely remember that this can be a problem vis-a-vis performing the avoda. Is this considered a "mum" or any other disqualification for the Kahuna? Is the disquaification only for the Kohen Gadol with his intricate avodah?
Answer
Avodah - sacrificial acts in the Temple - must be performed with the right hand by righties. There is an opinion that lefties are considered as having a mum, while Rashi seems to say that performance of these acts with the left hand is not the proper "way" that is it does not honor the Temple.

Offerings supernaturally consumed
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Iyyar 1, 5777

High Priest
Various Rabbis | 5 Elul 5765

Non-Jew in the Temple.
Rabbi Jonathan Blass | 15 Tevet 5763




