3,977. A Kohein in Torn Clothing

Hilchos Bias HaMikdash 1:14

The laws of a kohein who enters the Temple in torn clothing are the same as those of one whose hair has grown long, as per Leviticus 10:6: “Do not let your heads grow wild or tear your garments so that you will not die.” Therefore, if a kohein served wearing torn clothes, he is subject to a heavenly death penalty even though his service was valid and not disqualified.

Hilchos Bias HaMikdash 1:15

The Rambam opines that if a kohein who is fit to serve enters the area from the altar and beyond after drinking wine, intoxicated from other drinks, with long hair or with clothing torn in the manner one does because of mourning, he is liable to the penalty of lashes even if he didn’t actually serve. This is because he is fit to serve and entered the Temple at the time of service in a disheveled state despite the Torah’s warning not to do so.