The Kotzker Rebbe z.l. questions the unclean object’s ability to contaminate that with which it comes in contact. Why should not the clean object “cleanse” and purify the unclean one? He answers that a davar tamei, unclean object, is clearly tamei. On the other hand, who can be certain that the clean object is pure? Perhaps we can derive from his words that, in order for a “clean object” to transform something unclean, it is essential that the clean object be totally clean. Otherwise, it might recoil and itself become contaminated.
The Baal Ha’Tanya suggests a similar idea. In this pasuk, the Torah here discusses the concept of contact with an unclean object. We find that the Torah discusses contact with kedusha, holiness, in the beginning of this parsha (6:20) , saying, aseh tny kfc gdh rat kf “Whatever shall touch its flesh shall be holy.” There is a distinct disparity between these two types of contact. In order for a clean object to contact impurity, it merely has to touch the unclean object.
Regarding contact with holy objects, Chazal state, the initial contact must be so intense that the kedusha is absorbed. We may derive from here that one must strive to cling to holiness to the extent that it becomes suffused in one’s essence. In contrast, one must distance himself from tumah and evil to the extent that even a seemingly innocuous touch can be detrimental to his spiritual health.
