Defilement of a Kohen for a Relative When Another Relative is Already Defiled
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Question
In a family of Kohanim, if one of them dies, is there a mitzvah for all the relatives to become defiled, or is it a mitzvah for only one of them to become defiled?
Answer
There is a mitzvah for all relatives to become defiled for the deceased, according to those who follow the opinion of the Shulchan Aruch, even if not necessary. For those who follow the opinion of the Rema, only if necessary.
Source
Meshech Chochma, beginning of Parashat Emor: "Therefore it says 'for his mother', even though his father is alive, and if so, one might think there are others to bury her - meaning his father - the son should not defile himself, but it teaches us that the son still defiles himself for his mother." This is also implied in Mishneh Lamelech, Chapter 2 of the Laws of Mourning, note 7.
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