[Avodah] Noach and Lashon T'horah

[Ilana Sober]

RZL: To impress upon us the gravity of becoming tamei, or eating tamei, or
violating someone or otherewise making someone tamei, the harsh language is
called for. When Hashem is instructing Noach as to how many of these
non-kosher animals he should allow in the ark, however, a harsh language is
uncalled for.

One challenge in teaching or speaking about taharat hamishpacha with certain
audiences is that women find the use of the term "tumah" to describe a
natural, unavoidable bodily function degrading and insulting. In many other
cases, as well, people become tamei quite involuntarily. So I am a little
puzzled as to why harsh language is called for here. It is not assur to
become tamei, and some important mitzvot (like pru urvu and caring for and
burying the dead) require one to become tamei.

- Ilana