Av HaTumah
Encyclopedia
In the realm of tumah and taharah terminology, the term Av HaTumah (father of tumah, or simply Av) is a rabbinic term used to define a person or object that is in a state of tumah (ritual impurity) to the second degree.
A person or object that is a Av HaTumah has the ability to transfer its tumah to another person or object (usually at a downgraded level of tumah).
There are two types of Av HaTumah, the first being one textually listed in the Torah (D'Oraita
), the second being one of rabbinic origin (D'Rabbanan
).
. Common examples of an Av HaTumah include a zav, zavah
, niddah
, metzorah
(leper), and midras
.
An exception to purification eligibility are Terracotta vessels (that cannot be purified until broken).
A person or object that is a Av HaTumah has the ability to transfer its tumah to another person or object (usually at a downgraded level of tumah).
There are two types of Av HaTumah, the first being one textually listed in the Torah (D'Oraita
D'Oraita and D'Rabbanan
The Aramaic terms de-'oraita and de-rabbanan are used extensively in discussion and text relating to Jewish law. The former refers to halachic requirements that are biblically mandated, while the latter refers to halachic requirements that are rabbinically mandated...
), the second being one of rabbinic origin (D'Rabbanan
D'Oraita and D'Rabbanan
The Aramaic terms de-'oraita and de-rabbanan are used extensively in discussion and text relating to Jewish law. The former refers to halachic requirements that are biblically mandated, while the latter refers to halachic requirements that are rabbinically mandated...
).
Examples
An Av HaTumah is generally a person or object that is listed in the TorahTorah
Torah- A scroll containing the first five books of the BibleThe Torah , is name given by Jews to the first five books of the bible—Genesis , Exodus , Leviticus , Numbers and Deuteronomy Torah- A scroll containing the first five books of the BibleThe Torah , is name given by Jews to the first five...
. Common examples of an Av HaTumah include a zav, zavah
Zavah
The Hebrew term zavah is a state of ritual impurity applicable to females arising from vaginal blood discharges not during the usually anticipated menstrual cycle....
, niddah
Niddah
Niddah is a Hebrew term describing a woman during menstruation, or a woman who has menstruated and not yet completed the associated requirement of immersion in a mikveh ....
, metzorah
Tzaraath
The Hebrew noun tzaraath describes a disfigurative condition mainly referred to in chapters 13-14 of Leviticus, as well as conditions equivalent to be "mildew" on clothes and houses.Tzaraath affects both animate...
(leper), and midras
Midras
The term midras uncleanness or pressure uncleanness is used for uncleanness transmitted by either an object or person in Judaism....
.
Purification
A person or object that is under Av HaTumah status can usually be purified by immersion in a mikveh and the elapse of sunset.An exception to purification eligibility are Terracotta vessels (that cannot be purified until broken).