A Red Cow Loses its Red Heifer Status After Giving Birth
Some bad news for Jewish temple enthusiasts around the world: the red-colored cow that could have been a candidate for the third Holy Temple gave birth, disqualifying it from the sacramental use it would have served.
Some bad news for Jewish temple enthusiasts around the world: the red-colored cow that could have been a candidate for the third Holy Temple gave birth, disqualifying it from the sacramental use it would have served.
The Red cow or in Hebrew, Red Heifer,(Parah Adumah), is a rarity. Up to the time that the second temple was destroyed, only nine such cows were said to have met the biblical criteria. A red cow was the only item that was needed to produce ash for the ritual purification process necessary for service in the Temple.
The local red heifer was born in April, 2013. Over 37,000 people came to watch this major milestone. Two months ago, Rabbi Dovid Feinstein visited the red cow and “was very impressed,” according to reports.
The cow’s owner, Herbert Celler, was shocked that the cow was pregnant. According to Maimonides, pregnancy disqualifies a red heifer from being able to be used for the sacramental purpose.
This story was originally reported by the COL LIVE Community News Service – click for full story.
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