union do remain Kohanim but there is a doubt as to whether they would be allowed to serve in the 3rd Temple. The London Beth Din will not perform such a marriage but allegedly U.S. and Israeli Modern Orthodox synagogues will. Talmudically, were a kohen to marry in disregard of the above prohibitions, his marriage would be effective. Children born of the union do not have mamzer status. However, these children, are termed Chalal ("disqualified") and do not possess Kohen status. However, the children born of the union of a Kohen married to the daughter of a non Jewish father are not disqualified, as the prohibition is considered a "Safek Pagum", (doubtful blemish). The high priest may marry a virgin only. Other defilement During the period of the Tabernacle and Temple the priests were required to abstain from wine and all strong drink before and while performing their priestly duties (, ). Rabbinical commentary According to the 13th Century "Book of Education", since the Temple was a place of beauty and the services that were held in it were designed to inspire visitors to thoughts of repentance and closeness to God, a less than physically perfect priest, and a less than perfect spiritual ambiance, would mar the atmosphere. See also The status quo Kohen The Mitzvah of sanctifying the Kohen The Torah instruction of the Kohanim Footnotes Bibliography Mishnayoth: Seder Nashim. Translated and Annotated by Philip Blackman. Judaica Press Ltd., 2000. pp. 134–135 Priesthood (Judaism) it:Sacerdote_(Ebraismo)#Qualifiche e squalifiche