Monthly Archives: April 2015

Parshat דברים Devarim 33:11 – They Wouldn’t Let Him Not Do the Incense Service

Deuteronomy 33:11 –May the Lord bless his army (chelo) and favorably accept the work of his hands;

Jerusalem Talmud, Yoma, Chapter 2, Halacha 3:  “There was an incident with one priest (cohen) whose arm had become disabled. Nevertheless, they would not let him NOT do the incense service in the temple. This was to fulfill the words of the verse: May G-d bless his blemished one (chelo) and accept the work of his hands.”

Torah Temimah Colloquial Translation on Note #36:

That is to say: they were hoping that [even though he was technically disqualified due to his disability] by doing the Incense service, his hand would become healed.

Editor’s Note: I really love this note where they encouraged a disabled person to perform the service in the temple, even though he technically should not have been doing it. Perhaps I misunderstand this gemora, but I think I understand it accurately.