Lev. 21:1 - 24:23
Précis: This parasha is divided into four sections. First, it reviews procedures for the Priests to use to remain ritually pure. Second, it outlines the festival and holiday calendar. Third, it explains the use of the oil and the bread on display on the altar. Finally, there is a brief narrative about a blasphemer who is condemned to death.
Lev. 21:1-3 "The Lord said to Moses: 'Speak to the priests, the sons of Aaron, and say to them: 'None shall defile himself for any dead person among his kin, except for the relatives that are closest to him: his mother, his father, his son, his daughter and his brother; also for a virgin sister, close to him because she has not married, for her he may defile himself.'”
Rabbi Marc Wolf makes note of this verse (JTS Torah Commentary, 5/10/12).
It is striking that in the midst of many limitations on the action of the Priests (kohanim), they are commanded to personally handle their immediate deceased relatives and become ritually unfit for a period of time. This teaches us, he suggests, that when we have a conflict between family responsibility and communal responsibility, family comes first.
Put another way, the text is telling us that we cannot perform ritual duties when we are mourning.
At this time of COVID 19, the question we must ask ourselves is how we are to comfort the comforters. It is more than we can expect from our clergy and other religious leaders, or other communal leaders. It is something we must take our time and effort to undertake. Yes, we can make donations. Yes, we can send words of regret. But we must recognize, deep in our souls, that we must offer care to those who are suffering from loss or isolation. Attention must be paid.