**Jews Considered Corpses Unclean** #Unfinished for the Empty Tomb #Unfinished Herndon In Jewish [Halachic Law](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halakha), corpses were seen as unclean and touching one or even being near one was the highest grade of defilement labeled as the "Father of fathers of all uncleanness" ([H Danby](https://paperpile.com/app/p/8f1c3546-01dd-0df7-8f26-b9689540a788 'The Mishnah: Translated from the Hebrew with Introduction and Brief Explanatory Notes'), Numbers 5:2; 9:10; 31:19, Leviticus 21:1, Haggai 2:13), even going inside the building that housed a corpse was considered unclean ([Beit Habechirah - Chapter 3](https://paperpile.com/app/p/6c68483b-833b-0690-a9a9-d995a86adfd1 'Beit Habechirah - Chapter 3'), Numbers 19:11-15, [Michael L Rodkinson](https://paperpile.com/app/p/29fd2943-742b-0ce0-bf48-b88a3080d2d1 'The Babylonian Talmud: Original Text, Edited, Corrected, Formulated, and Translated Into English; Section Jurisprudence (Damages), Tract Sanhedrin; Volumes VII. And VII. (XV. And XVI.) (Classic Rep')). Only certain priests could go near the corpse without being considered unclean ([Anonymously Rabbi](https://paperpile.com/app/p/790773ca-a5ae-096e-aa77-9a4906079b0d 'Sefer HaChinukh: On 613 Mitzvahs of the Torah')). In Jewish Halachic Law, corpses are considered a major source of ritual impurity, often referred to as the "Father of fathers of all uncleanness." Contact with a dead body, or even being in close proximity to one, results in the highest level of defilement. The regulations surrounding this form of defilement are detailed in various texts, including the Mishnah, the Babylonian Talmud, and biblical passages such as Numbers and Leviticus. This framework of purity laws significantly influenced Jewish practices and societal norms, particularly regarding burial practices and the handling of the dead. <audio controls src = > </ audio> vAVBhUpqTLeSoNWtoC7cnA