Barry Epstein asked:
The Rambam writes that even if the Yisrael makes a blemish on a bechor the Kohen can't eat it. Why is the Kohen penalized?
Barry Epstein, Dallas, TX
The Kollel replies:
It is possible that once we see that the Yisrael purposely made a blemish on the animal, we suspect him of having some kind of deal with the Kohen. Alternatively, it is possible that Chazal did not want to recognize this blemish as having any Halachic effect even if it were not for the owner, showing that making a Mum doesn't get one anywhere.
All the best,
Yaakov Montrose