JERUSALEM (VINnews) — At a dairy farm in the hills of the Galilee, a rare red heifer was recently born, attracting the attention of researchers at the National Red Heifer Research Institute. The calf, which has been named “Temimah” (“Perfect” or “Unblemished”), is currently being examined from both a practical and halachic (Jewish legal) perspective.

The unusual birth was first noticed by Shai Givon, a specialist in artificial insemination for cattle farms working for the company Piryon. According to him, the heifer was the unexpected result of an insemination procedure he performed nine months earlier on a dairy cow.

Givon explained that the cow had been inseminated with semen from a Red Angus bull. Normally, such crossbreeding produces offspring with black or dark brown coloring because the coloring of dairy cattle is genetically dominant. This time, however, a completely red calf was born, which greatly surprised him.

Givon is no stranger to the subject. About 15 years ago, another red heifer was born in his herd, but it was later disqualified after black hairs were discovered on its body. He subsequently joined the team at the National Red Heifer Research Institute, which brings together researchers and professionals who study the topic.

Researchers at the institute explain that red calves are a rare but known phenomenon, particularly in regions where Red Angus cattle are raised. The primary challenge is determining whether the animal will maintain its uniform red coloring until it reaches the age of two years.

Shortly after its birth, the calf received an ear tag, as required. After its potential significance became apparent, the tag was removed. Last week, Rabbi Azaria Ariel conducted a comprehensive examination of the calf. According to him, it was found to be completely red, and he was also impressed by the healing of the ear.

Following the examination, members of the institute decided to name the calf “Temimah”, expressing their hope that it will remain “unblemished” both in its physical condition and in the uniform color of its hair.

At the same time, the institute’s study hall is expected to discuss various halachic questions regarding the calf’s status, including whether the healing of the defect caused by the ear tag affects its future eligibility as a red heifer.

According to institute representatives, the goal is to examine the halachic and practical issues that would be necessary for the future fulfillment of the biblical commandment of the Red Heifer (Parah Adumah), the ritual described in Bamidbar for purification from certain forms of ritual impurity.