At what age should the red heifer ideally be offered?
Halacha 1 states the commandment is to offer the red heifer in its third or fourth year. An older heifer is still acceptable but the prime age is three to four years.
Question 2
The Torah's term 'perfect' (תמימה) when describing the red heifer means:
Halacha 2 clarifies that 'perfect' means 'perfectly red,' not perfect in stature. Even a dwarf heifer is acceptable as long as it is entirely red.
Question 3
If the red heifer has black or white horns, what is the ruling?
Halacha 5 rules that black or white horns and hooves may be cut off and the heifer remains acceptable. However, the color of eyeballs, teeth, and tongue does not disqualify it.
Question 4
Which type of priest may perform the burning of the red heifer?
Halacha 11 rules that even an ordinary priest is acceptable to perform the burning of the red heifer, citing Numbers 19:3 which says 'And you shall give it to Elazar the priest' — Elazar was not the High Priest.
Question 5
Why did the Sages intentionally defile the priest before the red heifer offering?
Halacha 14 explains that the Sages deliberately immersed a valid (non-impure) priest just before the offering, making him a tevul yom, to demonstrate and solidify the ruling against the Sadducees who required waiting until sunset.