Study Sanhedrin folio 19A with parallel Hebrew-English text, traditional commentary, and modern study tools. Free access to Babylonian Talmud online.
and there is a principle that a positive mitzva by itself does not override both a prohibition and a positive mitzva. But as for the ruling that he does not consummate levirate marriage with a widow from betrothal, why not? The positive mitzva to consummate levirate marriage should come and override
The Talmud answers: The first act of sex is prohibited by rabbinic decree due to the likelihood of a second act of sex. Although the first act of sex would fulfill the positive mitzva of consummating levirate marriage, which would override the prohibition against a High Priest’s having sex with a w
The Talmud comments: This is also taught in a baraita: If the High Priest or one whose yevama is forbidden to him went ahead and engaged in a first act of sex with her, he acquired her as a wife, but it is prohibited to retain that woman as a wife for a second act of sex.
§ The Mishnah teaches with regard to the High Priest that if a relative of his died, he does not follow the bier carrying the corpse. A baraita states: The verse concerning the High Priest, which states: “And from the Temple he shall not emerge” (Leviticus 21:12), means: He shall not emerge with th
The Mishnah teaches R' Meir’s opinion, that in the manner just described to escort the deceased, the High Priest emerges with them until the entrance of the gate of the city, which is contrasted with R' Yehuda’s opinion that he does not leave the Temple at all. The Talmud comments: R' Yehuda is sayi