Bechorot 44: Moses and Body Differences

New Mishnayot teach us further blemishes which would forbid a priest from service in the Temple.  In our first Mishna, some of those are:

• one whose eyes are as large as a calf's or as small as a goose
• one whose body is disproportionately larger or smaller than his limbs
• one whose nose is disproportionately large or small relative to his limbs
• one whose ears are very small or resemble a sponge

The Gemara teaches an aggada in the name of Rav:  "Said Rav: Moses our teacher was ten cubits/ammot in height, for it is said that he spears the tent over the Tabernacle (Shemot 40:19).  Who spread it? Moses our teaches.  Scripture says, ten cubits shall be the length of the board (Shemot 26:16).  Rav Shimi bar China replied, if so, you have rendered Moses a blemished person for who have learned that one whose body is disproportionately large or small relatively to his limbs [cannot serve]". Rav explained further, I refer to the cubit of the Tabernacle.

Moses's arms could not have been so long, and there was a time that he served as High Priest (Massechet Zevachim 102, consecration of the Temple).  But perhaps he was extraordinarily tall with extremely long arms, it is argued; all in proportion.  The rishonim ask how Moses could even have entered the Temple if he were that tall.  The Maharal MiPrague teaches that Rav was referring to Moses's spiritual stature rather than his physical measurements.

When thinking about serving in the Temple and excluding those with certain physical differences, we must also remember that Moses had a speech impairment.  The rabbis seem to expect a certain degree of difference, even in our leaders.  Defining, valuing and demoting that difference is what rings hollow in today's understanding that holiness can be found in dis/ability.