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Leviticus 15:12 - Impure vessel's fate? Break or cleanse.

Leviticus 15:12 - ויקרא 15:12

Hebrew Text

וּכְלִי־חֶרֶשׂ אֲשֶׁר־יִגַּע־בּוֹ הַזָּב יִשָּׁבֵר וְכָל־כְּלִי־עֵץ יִשָּׁטֵף בַּמָּיִם׃

English Translation

And the vessel of earth, that he who has the issue touches, shall be broken: and every vessel of wood shall be rinsed in water.

Transliteration

U-khli-kheres asher-yiga-bo ha-zav yishaver ve-khol-kli-etz yishtaf ba-mayim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּכְלִי־חֶ֛רֶשׂ אֲשֶׁר־יִגַּע־בּ֥וֹ הַזָּ֖ב יִשָּׁבֵ֑ר וְכׇ֨ל־כְּלִי־עֵ֔ץ יִשָּׁטֵ֖ף בַּמָּֽיִם׃
וּכְלִי־חֶ֛רֶשׂ אֲשֶׁר־יִגַּע־בּ֥וֹ הַזָּ֖ב יִשָּׁבֵ֑ר וְכׇ֨ל־כְּלִי־עֵ֔ץ יִשָּׁטֵ֖ף בַּמָּֽיִם׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in Torah

The verse (Vayikra 15:12) appears in the section discussing the laws of zav (a man with a discharge) and the ritual impurity (tum'ah) he transmits. The Torah distinguishes between earthenware vessels and wooden vessels in how they become purified after contact with a zav.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Vayikra 15:12) explains that earthenware vessels cannot be purified through immersion (tevilah) because their material is porous and absorbs impurity. Therefore, they must be broken. In contrast, wooden vessels can be purified by rinsing with water since their material does not absorb impurity in the same way.

Rambam's Halachic Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot Metamei Mishkav uMoshav 10:1-2) codifies this law, stating that earthenware vessels contracted impurity from a zav must be destroyed, whereas wooden vessels require immersion in a mikveh or washing with water to become pure again.

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash (Torat Kohanim, Metzora 7) connects this law to the idea that earthenware represents fragility and impermanence (like human flesh, which is compared to clay), whereas wood symbolizes durability and the potential for renewal. This teaches that certain forms of impurity require complete removal (breaking), while others allow for purification.

Talmudic Discussion

  • The Talmud (Chullin 25a) derives from this verse that only earthenware vessels that have a receptacle (i.e., can hold liquids) are subject to impurity from a zav.
  • It further discusses (Niddah 33a) that wooden vessels must be capable of holding liquid to contract this impurity, similar to earthenware.

Practical Implications

This law has practical ramifications in Jewish life, particularly regarding:

  • The handling of vessels used by someone in a state of impurity.
  • The distinction between materials in halachic purity laws.
  • The concept that some impurities require destruction of the vessel, while others permit purification.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Shabbat 82b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the laws of ritual purity, specifically concerning the treatment of vessels that have come into contact with a zav (a person with a discharge).
📖 Niddah 33b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the differences in purification processes between earthenware and wooden vessels that have been contaminated by a zav.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 15:12 mean?
A: Leviticus 15:12 discusses the laws of ritual impurity (tum'ah) related to a person with a bodily discharge (zav). It states that earthenware vessels touched by such a person must be broken, while wooden vessels must be rinsed with water. This teaches us about the different levels of absorption of impurity based on the material of the vessel.
Q: Why must earthenware vessels be broken but wooden ones only rinsed?
A: According to Rashi and Talmudic sources (Chullin 25a), earthenware vessels are porous and absorb impurity deeply, making them impossible to purify—hence they must be broken. Wooden vessels, however, do not absorb as deeply and can be purified through rinsing with water.
Q: What practical lesson can we learn from Leviticus 15:12 today?
A: This verse teaches the importance of distinguishing between different levels of spiritual contamination and the appropriate responses. Just as earthenware and wood require different purification methods, we must recognize that different situations in life require tailored approaches to maintaining holiness and purity.
Q: Does this law still apply today without the Temple?
A: While the practical application of these purity laws is limited without the Temple, the Rambam (Hilchos Tum'as Tzara'as) explains that the principles remain part of Torah study. Many laws of purity are still studied to prepare for the future restoration of the Temple service.
Q: Why does the Torah specify different materials for purification?
A: The Midrash (Torat Kohanim) explains that the Torah's distinctions teach us about the nature of materials—earthenware represents fragility and impermanence, while wood is more durable. Spiritually, this reminds us that some influences deeply corrupt (requiring complete removal), while others can be purified with effort.