Parshas Emor
“And there shall be no blemish on it!” (Vayikra 22:21)
It is a negative commandment that one may not make a blemish in an animal which has been sanctified for the altar. This means to say that one may not make a wound or other similar injury which would invalidate the animal for the altar, as it says “And there shall be no blemish on it!”, and Chazal explain that it means “Do not make a blemish on the offering!”.
Amongst the roots of the commandment are that it is a disgrace for holy offerings. We have already explained many times the point of honoring the temple, its servants and offerings.
This prohibition applies in all places and at all times, both to men and women, but one is not punished with lashes unless the temple is standing, when the animal could have been offered on the altar.
