kohanim

Asked by Steve · October 23, 2002 · Other

Question

Why can't a kohen go to a cemetery? It's not like there are dead bodies he will bump into. Also, can you please ask your father if kohanim (such as myself) can go to maarat machpelah or visit another tzaddik's grave.

Answer

Answered by Aaron Abadi

The grave itself is "Tameh," and a Kohen must not touch or go above a grave. It's a Pasuk in Parshat Chukat. AA