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Leviticus 11:33 - Impure vessel must shatter?

Leviticus 11:33 - ויקרא 11:33

Hebrew Text

וְכָל־כְּלִי־חֶרֶשׂ אֲשֶׁר־יִפֹּל מֵהֶם אֶל־תּוֹכוֹ כֹּל אֲשֶׁר בְּתוֹכוֹ יִטְמָא וְאֹתוֹ תִשְׁבֹּרוּ׃

English Translation

And every earthen vessel, into which any of them fall, whatever is in it shall be unclean; and you shall break it.

Transliteration

Ve'khol-kli-kheres asher-yipol mehem el-tocho kol asher betocho yitma ve'oto tishboru.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְכׇ֨ל־כְּלִי־חֶ֔רֶשׂ אֲשֶׁר־יִפֹּ֥ל מֵהֶ֖ם אֶל־תּוֹכ֑וֹ כֹּ֣ל אֲשֶׁ֧ר בְּתוֹכ֛וֹ יִטְמָ֖א וְאֹת֥וֹ תִשְׁבֹּֽרוּ׃
וְכׇ֨ל־כְּלִי־חֶ֔רֶשׂ אֲשֶׁר־יִפֹּ֥ל מֵהֶ֖ם אֶל־תּוֹכ֑וֹ כֹּ֣ל אֲשֶׁ֧ר בְּתוֹכ֛וֹ יִטְמָ֖א וְאֹת֥וֹ תִשְׁבֹּֽרוּ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context and Source

The verse (Vayikra 11:33) appears in the Torah's discussion of the laws of tum'ah (ritual impurity) concerning creeping creatures (sheratzim). It specifies that if a dead, impure creature falls into an earthenware vessel, the vessel and its contents become impure, and the vessel must be broken.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Vayikra 11:33) explains that earthenware vessels are unique because they cannot be purified through immersion in a mikveh (ritual bath) like metal or wooden vessels. Once they become impure, they must be broken. This is derived from the phrase "וְאֹתוֹ תִשְׁבֹּרוּ" ("and you shall break it"). Rashi further notes that the impurity penetrates the vessel from the inside, unlike other materials where impurity only affects the exterior.

Rambam's Halachic Perspective

In Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Keilim 2:1), the Rambam codifies this law, stating that earthenware vessels contract impurity only from their interior. He explains that since these vessels are porous, impurity absorbed from the inside cannot be removed, necessitating their destruction. This contrasts with vessels made of other materials, which can be purified.

Talmudic Discussion

The Talmud (Chullin 25a) elaborates on this principle, teaching that earthenware vessels are susceptible to impurity only when they have a contained space (e.g., a pot or jug). Flat earthenware items, like tiles, do not become impure because they lack this capacity. The Gemara also discusses whether a broken vessel can regain purity if repaired, concluding that it cannot.

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash (Torat Kohanim, Shemini 7) connects this law to the idea of humility. Just as earthenware, a simple and fragile material, cannot be purified once defiled, a person who allows arrogance (ga'avah) to enter their heart is difficult to purify. Breaking the vessel symbolizes the need to shatter pride to achieve spiritual rectification.

Practical Implications

  • Earthenware vessels must be broken if contaminated by tum'ah, as they cannot be purified.
  • Impurity is transmitted only through the interior, not the exterior, of the vessel.
  • This law underscores the Torah's emphasis on maintaining ritual purity in food and vessels.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Shabbat 96b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the impurity of earthenware vessels and the requirement to break them if they become impure.
📖 Chullin 25a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the laws of ritual purity and impurity, specifically regarding earthenware vessels.
📖 Kelim 2:1
The Mishnah references this verse in its discussion of the susceptibility of earthenware vessels to impurity and the requirement to break them if they become impure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 11:33 mean when it says earthen vessels become unclean?
A: According to Orthodox Jewish interpretation, Leviticus 11:33 teaches that earthenware (clay) vessels that come into contact with certain types of ritual impurity (such as from a dead creeping creature) cannot be purified through immersion or washing like metal vessels. The Torah commands that such vessels must be broken because the impurity absorbs into their porous material. This is explained by Rashi and the Talmud (Chullin 25a).
Q: Why does the Torah command to break impure earthenware vessels instead of cleaning them?
A: The Rambam (Hilchos Keilim 2:1) explains that earthenware vessels are porous, so impurity penetrates their very substance. Unlike metal or glass vessels which can be purified through immersion in a mikveh, earthenware cannot be fully cleansed of impurity once contaminated. Therefore, the Torah commands they must be broken to prevent accidental use of impure vessels.
Q: Does this law about breaking impure earthenware vessels apply today?
A: While the laws of ritual purity are not fully applicable today without the Temple, the principle teaches us about the spiritual concept of absorption and the need for complete removal of impurity. The Talmud (Pesachim 30b) discusses how these laws would apply in Temple times, and they remain important for understanding Torah's system of purity.
Q: What practical lesson can we learn from Leviticus 11:33?
A: The Midrash (Toras Kohanim) derives from this verse that sometimes complete separation is necessary when dealing with negative influences. Just as the earthen vessel must be broken rather than purified, we learn that certain harmful influences in life may require complete removal rather than partial correction.
Q: Are all types of vessels made impure in the same way as earthenware?
A: No, the Talmud (Chullin 25a) explains that different materials have different laws. Metal and glass vessels can be purified through immersion in a mikveh after proper cleaning. Only earthenware vessels must be broken when contaminated by certain types of impurity, due to their porous nature as explained by Rashi on this verse.