In
Torah terminology,
zav (lit. "flow") is a state of
ritual impurity arising from abnormal seminal discharge from the male sexual organ. Purification requirements for the
zav include counting seven days without seminal discharge, immersion in a
spring, and bringing certain
korbanot (sacrifices).
In the realm of
tumah and taharah law, the
zav has the ability to create a
midras and is required to abstain from entering specific areas of the
Temple mount.
Torah source
Post the giving of the Torah, during the second year of the Israelite
exodus from Egypt, the initial
mitzvah regarding the
zav where given to the Israelites;
The specific law detail governing
zav status is written is the book of
Vayikra;
Description
The
Rambam describes the
zav state as the weakening of the male reproductive system while the general health of the man is normal. The semen of the otherwise healthy man oozes out without stimulation, erection, or pleasure. The color of the discharge has a reddish hue and has a thin consistency.
The
Even Ezra mentions that
zav status can either be abnormal discharge or the complete loss of ejaculation ability.
Specifics
The above-mentioned laws of
zav are applicable if the discharge in question had happened at least three times, whether thrice in one day, or over consecutive daysalthough...
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