Why Can't Those with Disabilities Serve in the Temple?

Jerusalem, 3,000 years ago. Two children play on a hill near the city, climbing trees, throwing stones, just as kids do. Suddenly, one of the kids falls and gets injured. Overcome with anxiety, he races to... the synagogue. He’s searching for his father to answer an urgent question. What's the burning question worrying this child?

This child was a kohen. He knew that if he became blemished, he would be disqualified from serving in the Temple. His father would offer sacrifices on the altar, his brothers would sprinkle the blood on the base, but he — he would be forbidden to serve. A blemish isn't necessarily something as noticeable as a missing hand. Much smaller issues could be considered as such. Tractate Bechorot lists many types of blemishes that disqualify a kohen from service.

But why does the Torah disqualify a blemished individual from serving? Is it discrimination? An ancient, outdated view of the different and unique?

Today, immense efforts are made to make all activities and places accessible to the disabled. There are aids for the deaf, the blind, and those with various limitations. Does the Torah not recognize their need for equality? Is it unjustly discriminating based on factors beyond one's control?

That certainly isn't the reason, as individuals with disabilities have held significant roles in Judaism. Moshe Rabbeinu himself was "heavy of speech and tongue," possibly due to a burn suffered in childhood, according to Chazal. Achiah HaShiloni was blind, or at least had poor vision — "his eyes stood still from age." The same for Yitzchak Avinu in his old age. And these were our forefathers, prophets whom Hashem spoke with, who led the people!

According to Rambam in the Guide for the Perplexed, the reason a person with a blemish can't serve in the Temple is because he represents Hashem, he is Hashem's servant, and people tend to view a blemished person skeptically, even though it’s not fair, and thus could lead to disrespect for the sacred tasks. Sefer HaChinuch adds that the service of a blemished person might cause distraction — just as a kohen whose hands are stained due to his work shouldn’t lift his hands, because the sight of anomalies can be distracting.

Furthermore, even in today’s world where we strive to give rights to everyone regardless of their physical condition, origin, etc., there is still the concept of "representative role." Despite our desires to offer equality, no one would appoint a blind woman as a flight attendant, or a person with a stutter as a news anchor. It just doesn't fit. Working in the Temple is also a representative role.