Leviticus 22:4 - Impurity bars holy consumption

Overview of the Verse

The verse (Vayikra 22:4) discusses the restrictions placed on Kohanim (priests of Aaron's lineage) who are in a state of ritual impurity (tumah), prohibiting them from partaking of the holy offerings (kodshim) until they undergo purification. The verse specifies three types of impurity that disqualify a Kohen from eating terumah or sacrificial portions: tzara'at (leprosy), zav (a bodily discharge), and contact with the dead (tamei nefesh). Additionally, it mentions a man who has had a seminal emission (shichvat zera).

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (Vayikra 22:4) explains that the phrase "ish ish mizera Aharon" ("any man of the seed of Aaron") emphasizes that these laws apply specifically to Kohanim, not to Israelites in general. He notes that the verse lists three categories of impurity:

• Tzara'at: A Kohen afflicted with tzara'at is barred from eating holy foods until he is declared clean by a Kohen (Vayikra 13-14).
• Zav: A man with a discharge (zav) must immerse in a mikveh and wait until sunset before regaining purity (Vayikra 15).
• Tamei Nefesh: Contact with a corpse renders a Kohen impure for seven days, requiring purification through the ashes of the red heifer (parah adumah) (Bamidbar 19).

Rambam's Explanation

In Hilchot Bi'at Mikdash (3:1-2), the Rambam codifies these laws, stating that a Kohen in a state of impurity may not eat terumah or sacrificial meat. He further clarifies that even a Kohen who is tamei due to a seminal emission (ba'al keri) is temporarily disqualified until he immerses and waits for nightfall (see also Hilchot Tumat Ochlin 16:1).

Midrashic Insights

The Sifra (a halachic Midrash on Vayikra) elaborates that the phrase "lo yochal ad asher yithar" ("he shall not eat until he is clean") teaches that a Kohen must complete all required purification processes before resuming consumption of holy foods. The Midrash also connects this to the broader principle that holiness requires separation from impurity, as seen in the sanctity of the Mishkan and later the Beit Hamikdash.

Talmudic Discussion

The Gemara (Zevachim 17b) discusses whether a Kohen who is impure may handle terumah even if he cannot eat it. The conclusion is that while he may not eat, he is permitted to touch it, provided he does not render it unfit for others. This distinction highlights the careful balance between maintaining ritual purity and practical service in the Temple.

Practical Halachic Implications

In practical terms, this verse establishes key halachic principles for Kohanim:

• A Kohen must be vigilant about his purity status before partaking of terumah or sacrificial portions.
• Impurity due to tzara'at, zav, or contact with the dead requires specific purification rites.
• Even minor impurities (like a seminal emission) impose temporary restrictions.