Day 14: טָהֳרָה / Purity
On this day about purity, it bears mentioning that we currently find ourselves amidst the Parasha cycle that deals with the vast Israelite purity codes. There are two types of impurity: moral and spiritual. There are two elements of the laws of spiritual impurity that I want to highlight.
First of all, spiritual impurity is not sinful. Our de facto status appears to be one of purity; then in going about our lives, we inevitably pick up spiritual shmutz. It is a reality to be remedied, but not one to feel ashamed about.
Next, as the remedy, we discover an ancient physical and spiritual quarantine. Separation acts as preparation before the return to community. Before showing up fully and responsibly, we need time apart.
Because we all have an underlying presumption of purity, the process of purification is a homecoming of sorts. We return to ourselves. We clear our minds and our bodies of the distractions and conflicts of daily life, and prepare to encounter the learning and relationships that bring meaning to our lives.
Reflection:
Both in Jewish contexts and as a broader archetype, water is thought of as the agent and elixir of purity. What does the symbol of water mean to you?
What is the "spiritual shmutz" that you pick up in your life, and how do you find the place of purity?
Why do we aspire towards purity if it's impossible to maintain?
Lived practice:
Purity is psychological and also physical. What steps you can take today to seek this refreshing return to yourself? Since we already spend our time in isolation, how can you reframe that experience of solitude as an act of seeking and maintaining purity?
