Important Message Regarding This Lesson
The Daily Mitzvah schedule runs parallel to the daily study of 3 chapters of Maimonides' 14-volume code. There are instances when the Mitzvah is repeated a few days consecutively while the exploration of the same Mitzvah continues in the in-depth track.
Immersing in a Mikvah (Ritual Pool)
"He shall bathe all his body in water"—Leviticus 15:16.
A person who chooses to become cleansed of any ritual impurity is commanded to immerse in a mikvah [a natural pool of water]. According to the tradition of the Oral Law, for a mikvah to be kosher it must contain enough water for [an average] person to submerge himself within them—unless it is a moving stream of water, in which case even the smallest amount of water suffices [for a smaller than average individual, or for immersing a ritually impure utensil].
Some details:
- Of all the types of ritually impure people, only the zav requires immersion in a moving stream of water.
- This mitzvah is not obligatory. As long as an individual has no intention of entering the Temple Mount, he may remain in his ritually impure state.
- An individual's purification process is not finalized until the sun sets on the day he immerses.
- There may not be anything separating between the person's body and the waters of the mikvah.
Damage Caused by Goring
"If an ox gores..."—Exodus 21:28.
We are commanded regarding the laws [of liability] that apply if a person's ox [gores another's animal, or any other malicious damage caused by any animal belonging to an individual].
