An impure priest performs Temple service and is later brought before an earthly court. He receives lashes. What happens to his divine punishment?
Halachah 1 states that lashes are given for violations punishable by death at the hand of Heaven, and if the earthly court administers lashes, the person is absolved of the punishment from above.
Question 2
A priest contracted impurity inside the Temple Courtyard, began leaving by the shortest route, but on his way out used a cylinder to turn a limb on the altar fire. What is his status?
Halachah 3 explains that contributing to Temple service — even while departing by the shortest route — counts as performing service, making him liable for death at the hand of Heaven, but not karet (since he did not tarry).
Question 3
For which type of impurity does the forehead plate (tzitz) bring atonement even if the priest acted intentionally after becoming aware of the impurity?
Halachah 6 teaches that the tzitz atones for impurity of the depths (a corpse no one knew about), and Halachah 6 further specifies this applies even if the priest became aware before sprinkling the blood and then intentionally sprinkled it.
Question 4
The time for a communal sacrifice with a fixed time arrives. Some priests in the scheduled clan are pure; most are impure due to contact with a human corpse. What should be done?
Halachah 14 rules that when some priests are pure, only the pure priests should offer the sacrifices. We seek a pure alternative first and override impurity only when no pure priest is available.
Question 5
Why does the Rambam say Chizkiya's Pesach was 'not in accordance with what was written'?
Halachah 17–18 explains two errors: (1) declaring a leap year because of ritual impurity, when the preference is to offer in impurity rather than delay; and (2) declaring it on the 30th of Adar — far too late. God's mercy, not proper procedure, validated their sacrifice.