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Leviticus 15:23 - Impurity from contact's duration?

Leviticus 15:23 - ויקרא 15:23

Hebrew Text

וְאִם עַל־הַמִּשְׁכָּב הוּא אוֹ עַל־הַכְּלִי אֲשֶׁר־הִוא יֹשֶׁבֶת־עָלָיו בְּנָגְעוֹ־בוֹ יִטְמָא עַד־הָעָרֶב׃

English Translation

And if it be on her bed, or on anything whereon she sits, when he touches it, he shall be unclean until evening.

Transliteration

Ve'im al-hamishkav hu o al-hakli asher-hi yoshevet-alav b'nage'o-bo yitma ad-ha'erev.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאִ֨ם עַֽל־הַמִּשְׁכָּ֜ב ה֗וּא א֧וֹ עַֽל־הַכְּלִ֛י אֲשֶׁר־הִ֥וא יֹשֶֽׁבֶת־עָלָ֖יו בְּנׇגְעוֹ־ב֑וֹ יִטְמָ֖א עַד־הָעָֽרֶב׃
וְאִ֨ם עַֽל־הַמִּשְׁכָּ֜ב ה֗וּא א֧וֹ עַֽל־הַכְּלִ֛י אֲשֶׁר־הִ֥וא יֹשֶֽׁבֶת־עָלָ֖יו בְּנׇגְעוֹ־ב֑וֹ יִטְמָ֖א עַד־הָעָֽרֶב׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Vayikra 15:23) is part of the Torah's discussion of the laws of tum'ah (ritual impurity) related to a zavah (a woman experiencing abnormal uterine discharge). The verse specifies that objects which come into contact with her during this state transmit impurity to those who touch them.

Explanation of the Verse

The verse states that if the zavah's impurity is transferred to her bed or any object she sits upon, anyone who touches these items becomes tamei (ritually impure) until evening. This reflects the principle that certain forms of tum'ah are temporary and can be resolved through immersion in a mikveh and the passage of time (until evening).

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (Vayikra 15:23) explains that the phrase "וְאִם עַל־הַמִּשְׁכָּב הוּא" ("And if it be on her bed") refers to the impurity being present on the bed itself. He clarifies that the impurity is not only transmitted through direct contact with the zavah but also through contact with objects she has used. This underscores the concept of mishkav u'moshav (the bed and seat of a zavah) as primary carriers of tum'ah.

Halachic Implications

According to the Rambam (Hilchos Metamei Mishkav U'Moshav 4:1), the objects mentioned in this verse become avos ha'tum'ah (primary sources of impurity), capable of transmitting impurity to people and other objects. The impurity lasts until evening, provided the person immerses in a mikveh. Key halachic points include:

  • The bed or seat must bear the weight of the zavah to transmit impurity.
  • Only objects designated for sitting or lying (e.g., chairs, beds) are included in this category.
  • The impurity applies whether the object is made of wood, metal, or other materials.

Midrashic Insight

The Sifra (a halachic Midrash on Vayikra) emphasizes that the Torah's detailed laws of tum'ah and taharah (purity) teach the importance of maintaining spiritual sensitivity. The temporary nature of this impurity (until evening) symbolizes the possibility of renewal and return to a state of purity through repentance and adherence to mitzvos.

Conceptual Understanding

Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch (Vayikra 15:23) notes that these laws highlight the Torah's focus on the sanctity of human life and relationships. By regulating physical states and their spiritual implications, the Torah elevates mundane activities to a higher plane, ensuring that even natural bodily functions are imbued with holiness and awareness of Divine presence.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Niddah 33a
The verse is discussed in the context of laws concerning ritual impurity, specifically regarding a zavah (a woman with a discharge) and the objects she comes into contact with.
📖 Zavim 5:12
The verse is referenced in the Mishnah in relation to the transmission of impurity through contact with objects that have been in contact with a zavah.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 15:23 mean?
A: Leviticus 15:23 discusses the laws of ritual impurity (tum'ah) related to certain bodily emissions. This verse specifies that if a person with such impurity sits or lies on an object (like a bed or vessel), anyone who touches that object becomes ritually impure until evening. This is part of the Torah's detailed purity laws, which were especially relevant when the Holy Temple stood.
Q: Why is this verse important in Jewish law?
A: This verse is important because it establishes the concept of 'midaḥ al midaḥ' (secondary impurity) in Jewish law. Even indirect contact with an impure object can transmit impurity. The Rambam (Hilchot Metamei Mishkav uMoshav) elaborates on these laws, showing their significance in maintaining ritual purity, especially in relation to the Temple service.
Q: How does this apply today without the Temple?
A: While the full laws of ritual purity do not apply today without the Temple, the principles behind them—such as mindfulness of spiritual cleanliness and separation between holy and mundane—remain relevant. The Talmud (Berachot 22a) discusses how these concepts influence areas like prayer and Torah study, even in times when full purity cannot be achieved.
Q: What can we learn from Leviticus 15:23?
A: This verse teaches us about the Torah's attention to spiritual details and the idea that impurity can spread indirectly. Rashi explains that this emphasizes the importance of being aware of our surroundings and how our actions affect others, both physically and spiritually. It reminds us to be mindful of holiness in everyday life.
Q: Does this verse only apply to women?
A: No, Leviticus 15 discusses impurity related to both men and women (though the previous verses focus on women). The Talmud (Niddah 42b) clarifies that the laws of impurity apply equally to all, with specific details varying based on circumstances. The Torah's language here uses the feminine pronoun because it follows verses discussing a particular female-related impurity.