Defilement of a Kohen for a Relative without Necessity
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Question
A Kohen who is commanded to become impure for his relative, is he required to do so only for the burial, or even without necessity?
Answer
According to the Shulchan Aruch, it is a mitzvah to become impure even without necessity for the deceased, but according to the Rema, it is proper to be stringent and become impure only for the purpose of burial and to bring him a coffin and shrouds. However, being near the Chevra Kadisha while they are attending to him is considered necessary since they might need something from him. And once it is necessary to be there for the deceased, one may remain.
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