Barry Epstein asked:
The Artscroll notes say that the initiation minchah was ONE of the first act a Kohen would bring on his first day of service. Wasn't it his FIRST act? What act could he do before it?
Barry Epstein, Dallas, USA
The Kollel replies:
Shalom.
I do not have the Artscroll available, but I tend to agree with your point. The Rambam (K'lei ha'Mikdash 5:16) states clearly that a kohen cannot do any service before offering his initiation minchah. Perhaps the Artscroll is referring to the obligation of rinsing his hands and feet which precedes the initiation minchah.
Yehuda Landy