Yoma

the right thing to wipe off [squirtings]. This supports the view of R. Ammi who says: A man must not go out with squirtings on his feet, because he may appear as one that has his privy member cut off and he may thus cause evil talk against his children that they are bastards. 1 R. Papa said: If there be excrement in its place,2 he must not read the Shema’.3 How shall we imagine this case? If to say that it is invisible, that is self-evident; if to say that it is not seen surely4 ‘The Torah was not given to the ministering angels!’ This has but reference to a situation in which it is obvious when he sits and invisible when he stands. But what is the difference between this and one who has filth on his body, for it has been stated: Where one who has filth on his body, or whose hands are in a privy,5 R. Huna permits the reading of the Shema’ and R. Hisda forbids it?6 — In its place filth is most execrable, away from it, it is less so. Our Rabbis taught: This is the halachah with regard to meal-time:7 If a man goes forth to make water, he washes his one8 hand and re-enters. If he conversed with his neighbour and waited [diverting himself], he washes both his hands [again] and re-enters. When he washes his hands, he should not wash them outside and enter, because of the suspicion,9 but he should enter, sit at his accustomed place and wash his two hands there, then pass the pitcher10 around the guests.11 — R. Hisda said: What we said refers to drinking,12 but as to eating he may wash his hands outside and re-enter, people know that he is fastidious of taste.13 R. Nahman b. Isaac said: I would do the same14 before drinking as people know me to be fastidious. MISHNAH. NO MAN EVEN IF HE WERE CLEAN COULD ENTER THE TEMPLE COURT WITHOUT HAVING IMMERSED HIMSELF. FIVE IMMERSIONS AND TEN SANCTIFICATIONS DID THE HIGH PRIEST UNDERGO ON THAT DAY. AND ALL ON HOLY GROUND IN THE PARWAH15 CELL WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THIS ONE16 ALONE. — A LINEN SHEET WAS SPREAD BETWEEN HIM AND THE PEOPLE. GEMARA. Ben Zoma was asked: What is the purpose of this immersion?17 He answered: If one18 who moves from one holy place to another and from one place [the entering of] which [in uncleanness] involves kareth19 to another place [the entering of] which [in uncleanness] involves kareth, requires immersion, how much more shall he require immersion who moves from profane ground into holy ground, and from a place [the entering of] which [in uncleanness] does not involve kareth, to a place [the entering of] which [in uncleanness] involves kareth! R. Judah said: It is only an immersion required for the sake of uniformity,20 so that he may remember if there is any uncleanness on him and abstain.21 In what principle do they differ? and hearing that he has children, will spread the rumour that they are begotten in adultery. next room. like unto Thee, Ps. XXXV, 10. a matter of precaution in case he does partake of some bread (Rashi).] since eating with the fingers (rather than with fork and knife) was the general custom. V.T.A. III, p. 43. both being sacred and having the special restriction attached, viz., that one who entered them in uncleanness incurred divine penalty of death. any uncleanness attaching to him who entered the Temple Court.