06/18/2026
they r already searching for a spotless red heifer
CONCERNING THE EAR TAG OF THE RECENTLY BORN RED HEIFER
Many people have expressed concern over the fact that the recently born cow had been given an ear tag before its potential as a red heifer candidate was realized. The ear tag is, of course, the standard method of identifying cattle on commercial farms. Tagging a red heifer candidate will create a deformity in the caw's ear and disqualify the heifer, as a kosher red heifer must be free of all wounds or deformities.
In the case of the recently born red heifer the tag was quickly removed, allowing for the wound to heal. Rabbi Azarya Ariel of the Temple Institute, who has spent decades studying the laws concerning the red heifer, conducted a thorough examination of the heifer, as he does all red heifer candidates, to check for non-red hairs, scars or deformities. He is encouraged that the heifer's ear is healing and won't leave a scar or deformity. Should he discover upon a follow-up inspection that the ear hasn't healed properly then the heifer will be disqualified.
Concerning every potential red heifer, Rabbi Azarya performs multiple inspections over time to determine whether or not the heifer is still a viable candidate. This is why a kosher red heifer can suddenly be disqualified if, upon inspection, the rabbi discovers more than one non-red hair or any other disqualifying mark. In the attached photo (not connected to the recently born red heifer), we see Rabbi Azarya using a magnifying glass to inspect the cow.
When, at last, a red heifer is found suitable for its ashes to be used to purify, it wall have passed multiple inspections and been found to be bearing only red hairs and having no deformities.
