For the source text click/tap here: Megillah 24
To download, click/tap here: PDF
A kohen with blemishes on his hands should not raise his hands [to bless the people.] The reasons a kohen with blemished hands should not bless the people, Rashi (1) explains, is that the blemishes will attract people’s attention.
The Gemara in Chagiga (2) states that gazing at the hands of the kohanim while their hands are raised will result in one’s vision becoming weakened because of the Divine presence which resides on their hands at that moment.
We explore the talmudic approach to disability and some interesting latter day expressions of the conflict between perfection and human frailty.