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Leviticus 22:5 - Impurity through contact?

Leviticus 22:5 - ויקרא 22:5

Hebrew Text

אוֹ־אִישׁ אֲשֶׁר יִגַּע בְּכָל־שֶׁרֶץ אֲשֶׁר יִטְמָא־לוֹ אוֹ בְאָדָם אֲשֶׁר יִטְמָא־לוֹ לְכֹל טֻמְאָתוֹ׃

English Translation

or whoever touches any creeping thing, whereby he may be made unclean, or a man of whom he may take uncleanness, whatever uncleanness he has;

Transliteration

O-ish asher yiga bechol-sheretz asher yitma-lo o ve-adam asher yitma-lo lechol tumato.

Hebrew Leining Text

אוֹ־אִישׁ֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר יִגַּ֔ע בְּכׇל־שֶׁ֖רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֣ר יִטְמָא־ל֑וֹ א֤וֹ בְאָדָם֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר יִטְמָא־ל֔וֹ לְכֹ֖ל טֻמְאָתֽוֹ׃
אוֹ־אִישׁ֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר יִגַּ֔ע בְּכׇל־שֶׁ֖רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֣ר יִטְמָא־ל֑וֹ א֤וֹ בְאָדָם֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר יִטְמָא־ל֔וֹ לְכֹ֖ל טֻמְאָתֽוֹ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Vayikra 22:5) appears in the context of laws pertaining to the kohanim (priests) and their obligation to maintain ritual purity, particularly when partaking of terumah (sacred food). The Torah here enumerates various sources of tum'ah (ritual impurity) that would disqualify a kohen from eating terumah until he undergoes purification.

Explanation of the Verse

The verse specifies two primary categories of tum'ah:

  • Contact with a creeping thing (שֶׁרֶץ): This refers to certain small creatures, such as rodents or insects, that transmit impurity when touched (as detailed in Vayikra 11:29-38). Rashi (Vayikra 22:5) notes that this includes the eight sheratzim listed earlier in the Torah, which convey impurity whether they are alive or dead.
  • Contact with an impure person (אָדָם אֲשֶׁר יִטְמָא־לוֹ): This refers to a person who is in a state of tum'ah, such as a zav, zavah, metzora, or one who has come into contact with a corpse. The Rambam (Hilchos Tum'as Ochlin 1:1) elaborates that such contact renders the kohen impure and unfit to eat terumah.

Halachic Implications

The Sifra (a halachic Midrash on Vayikra) emphasizes that this verse teaches that tum'ah is not limited to direct contact but can also be transmitted through carrying or moving an impure object. The Talmud (Chullin 122a) further discusses the severity of these impurities, particularly in relation to the kohanim, who must be especially vigilant to avoid defilement.

Spiritual Lessons

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 34:8) draws a moral lesson from this verse, comparing spiritual impurity to physical tum'ah. Just as a kohen must distance himself from sources of impurity, so too must a Jew avoid negative influences that can defile the soul. The Kli Yakar (Vayikra 22:5) adds that the Torah's emphasis on purity serves as a reminder of the holiness required in serving Hashem, particularly for those entrusted with sacred duties.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 22:5 mean?
A: Leviticus 22:5 discusses the concept of ritual impurity (tumah) in Jewish law. It states that a person can become impure by touching certain creatures (like creeping animals) or by coming into contact with another person who is impure. This impurity affects one's ability to participate in certain holy activities, such as eating sacrifices or entering the Temple, until they undergo purification.
Q: Why is this verse important in Judaism?
A: This verse is important because it establishes laws of ritual purity (taharah) and impurity (tumah), which were central to Temple service and holy activities. While many purity laws are not applicable today without the Temple, they still teach us about the importance of spiritual cleanliness and mindfulness in our relationship with Hashem.
Q: What types of impurity does Leviticus 22:5 refer to?
A: The verse refers to two main sources of impurity: 1) touching certain creeping animals (sheratzim) that are listed in Leviticus 11 as impure, and 2) coming into contact with a person who is impure due to various reasons (such as tzara'at, bodily emissions, or contact with a corpse). The Talmud (Chullin 122a) and Rambam (Hilchot Tum'at Ochalin) elaborate on these laws.
Q: How does this apply to Jewish life today?
A: While many purity laws are not fully observed today without the Temple, the concept remains relevant. For example, the laws of netilat yadayim (handwashing) before eating bread and the mikveh (ritual bath) for conversions or family purity (niddah) are connected to these principles. The verse reminds us to be mindful of spiritual purity in our daily lives.
Q: What can we learn from Leviticus 22:5?
A: We learn that Judaism emphasizes both physical and spiritual cleanliness. The laws of tumah and taharah teach us that holiness requires preparation and awareness. As Rashi explains on related verses, these laws help us elevate our actions and maintain a connection to holiness, even in mundane aspects of life.