In Jewish tradition, a red heifer is a cow with entirely reddish-brown hair that has never been yoked. Its sacrifice, outlined in the Book of Numbers, produces ashes used in a ritual purification rite necessary for anyone who has come into contact with a corpse to re-enter the Temple and participate in sacred rituals. This purification process is considered crucial for restoring ritual purity and enabling participation in Temple service.
Historically, red heifers have been rare. Their ritual importance is linked to Temple service and the eventual arrival of the Messiah in Jewish eschatology. The anticipation surrounding a potential red heifer in 2024, and several born since, stems from the belief that its availability could facilitate the rebuilding of the Third Temple and signal the messianic age. The absence of the Temple and the inability to perform the purification ritual have been significant obstacles for those anticipating these events.