DAF DISCUSSIONS - CHAGIGAH 21

Mendy Bude asks:

In Chagigah 21 quiz question #1 you say that a Mechusar Kipurim needs Tevilah to touch Kodesh.

Surely to TOUCH Koidesh is permitted even before tevilah

Mendy Bude

The Kollel replies:

You have touched upon a very interesting point. The Tosfos Yom Tov (Nidah 10:7) and Turei Even (Chagigah here) indeed maintain that a Mechusar Kipurim is only prohibited from eating Kodesh. He does not disqualify it by touching it.

However, the Rashash here points out that it is clear from the Gemara in Yevamos 74b (see Rashi there DH Kari Kan) that a Mechusar Kipurim is a Shlishi for Kodesh and disqualifies Kodesh by touching it. He cites other proofs for this as well (from Chagigah 24a and elsewhere). That vindicates what we wrote in the quiz!

Best wishes,

Mordecai Kornfeld

Kollel Iyun Hadaf

Mendy Bude responds:

Thank you for responding so quickly. 2 points:

1. Rashi on the mishna clearly says the requirement for tevila is for 'oichel' (see your "Quick Halacha" in the Revach l'Daf section).

2. Does the Rashash apply where we are talking about a mechusar kipurim who has already brought his korbonois on day 8 as is the case in our Mishna?

Mendy Bude

The Kollel replies:

1. Rashi (and our notes) mentions "Ochel" because the Mishnah is also talking about an Onen, who is permitted to touch Kodesh but not to eat it.

2. By definition, Mechusar Kipurim always means that the person has done everything in the Taharah process except for bringing specific Korbanos on the morning after. Our Mishnah is no exception, see Rashi DH veha'Mechusar Kipurim.

Best wishes,

Mordecai Kornfeld

Kollel Iyun Hadaf