Emor | Caste
Tamei, often translated as “impure,” or “unclean,” is mentioned throughout the book of Leviticus. It comes about in reaction to strong physical-spiritual experiences such as contact with death, menstruation, childbirth, and male ejaculations. The priest is vulnerable to additional categories of tamei, related to the duties of the priestly caste. Tamei separates us from kedoshim, holiness, the connection for which Eternal Presence brought us out of slavery.