Commentary for Niddah 67:27

שכבת זרע של ישראל טמאה בכל מקום

'His discharge in <i>zibah</i> is unclean even according to Beth Shammai' since a distinguishing rule<span class="x" onmousemove="('comment',' Whereby it is indicated that the uncleanness of an idolater is merely Rabbinical. ');">²⁴</span> can be made in connection with the discharge of his semen. 'His discharge of semen is clean even according to Beth Hillel', since the Rabbis have enacted a distinguishing rule<span class="x" onmousemove="('comment',' Whereby it is indicated that the uncleanness of an idolater is merely Rabbinical. ');">²⁴</span> in order that <i>terumah</i> or other holy things shall not be burnt on its account.<span class="x" onmousemove="('comment',' In the absence of the distinction it might have been presumed that the uncleanness is Pentateuchal and that, therefore, even terumah and other holy things must be burnt if they came in contact with it. ');">²⁵</span> But why should not the distinguishing rule be enacted in regard to his discharge in <i>zibah</i> while his discharge of semen should be declared unclean? — Concerning his discharge in <i>zibah</i> which is not dependent on an act of his the Rabbis have enacted a preventive measure, but concerning a discharge of his semen which does depend on an act of his<span class="x" onmousemove="('comment',' Sexual excitement. ');">²⁶</span> the Rabbis enacted no preventive measure. May it be suggested that the following provides support to his<span class="x" onmousemove="('comment',' Raba's. ');">²⁷</span> ruling: If an idolatress discharged the semen of an Israelite, it is unclean; but if the daughter of an Israelite discharged the semen of an idolater, it is clean.<span class="x" onmousemove="('comment',' Mik. VIII, 4. ');">²⁸</span> Now does not this mean that it is completely clean?<span class="x" onmousemove="('comment',' In agreement with Raba. ');">²⁹</span> — No; clean Pentateuchally but unclean Rabbinically. Come and hear: It thus follows<span class="x" onmousemove="('comment',' Lit., 'you are found saying'. ');">³⁰</span> that the semen of an Israelite is unclean everywhere,

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