4. Meis Mitzvah:[1]

It is a Mitzvah for a Kohen to defile himself for the sake of burying a Meis Mitzvah.[2] A Kohen may defile himself to a Meis Mitzvah even if the body is not complete, such as it is missing a limb[3], so long as his head, and majority of the body of the deceased is found for burial.[4] A Meis Mitzvah in this regard is defined as the body of a Jew which is found by a Kohen in an area that is desolate of other Jews who could bury him. Thus, if he discovers the body of a Jew in a gentile city, which does not have a Jewish community who could bury him, then he is to bury the Jew. If, however, he could call other Jews from nearby to come and help bury the body, without needing to leave the body’s side [i.e. the other Jews are an ear distance away], then he should do so and wait for their arrival. Upon their arrival, he should allow them to bury the body and remove himself from any involvement with the burial, unless there are not enough men available. If, however, the nearest Jews are not close by, and he will need to leave the body in order to call them, then he is to bury the body himself.[5] Likewise, if the ear distant Jews demand payment for the burial, the Kohen may bury him himself.[6]

Prevent desecration:[7] The Kohen may defile himself to a dead body of a Jew in order to prevent its desecration, such as if it is sitting in the sun, or in the path of a fire. [The same applies to defiling himself to prevent an autopsy.[8]]

Unsure if person is gentile or Jew:[9] If the identity of the found body is unknown, then we follow the majority of the population in that area, if the law of Kevius does not apply. If the majority of those who pass the area are Jewish, then the Kohen is to bury him. If the majority is not Jewish, then he is not to be buried by the Kohen even if there is a Kevius of Jews in the area.

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[1] Michaber 374:1-3; See Nitei Gavriel 130:14

[2] Michaber 374:1

[3] Shach 374:1

[4] Michaber 374:2

[5] Michaber 374:3

[6] Rama ibid

[7] Rav Akiva Eiger 374:1; Nitei Gavriel 130:23

[8] Nitei Gavriel ibid

[9] Rama 374:3; See Shach 374:2-3, Admur 329:2, Michaber Even Haezer 4:34, regarding the status of Kavua