The Pharisees Who Wash the Outside of Cups

Though it can lead to flawed conclusions, reading the Gospels and Epistles without understanding some of the complicated and technical discussions of Jewish law behind them is quite common. We should know that these knowledge gaps are not inconsequential and can result in oversimplified interpretations.

A common outcome is a view that Jesus's interlocutors were heartless and uncaring when in reality, they shared a significant amount of common ground. In the example we're focusing on, you'll see there is a lot more going on than we see at first glance.

I have come to view another dimension in these encounters as they are written in the Gospels: they seem somewhat midrashic (homiletic) in style. What begins as a dispute about a particular physical practice provides an excellent opportunity to teach a spiritual lesson. This is a common Rabbinic pedagogic tool to strengthen the physical practice, giving it soul!

This is a common thread through many familiar Gospel accounts, such as; grazing of fields and certain types of healing on Shabbat, proper tithing, and the various purification rituals that are incumbent upon the Jewish people.

This only works when the audience is aware of the practical basics of halacha (Jewish law), allowing for the revelation of a deeper moral principle.

Hand Washing and Immersion

In the Torah, various immersions and purifications are implied but lack sufficient detail to be instructive and comprehensive. These practices were critical in preparing the priests and Levites for their Temple duties, so how could these be left undefined?

Realize this is not a bug but a feature, allowing the practical details to be developed within the framework of the Jewish Oral Torah.

One such practice, the practice of hand washing (Netilat Yaadim²) was a preparatory step before the handling of consecrated food in the temple. By the early first century, it seems this practice was extended to the broader Jewish community as a part of daily purity practices to cultivate holiness (kedushah). In the Midrash, we read;

With regard to the Israelites, where does Scripture command washing the hands? In the verse, "Sanctify yourselves and be holy." (Leviticus 11:44). On the basis of this verse, Rabban Gamliel [the elder] observed Levitical precautions of self-purification when he ate everyday food. He would say obedience to the precept of hand-washing for the sake of holiness was required not only for priests, but of priests, Levites, and Israelites - required of every one of them, as Scripture tells us, "the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: Speak unto the congregation of the children of Israel and say unto them: You shall be holy." (Leviticus 19:1-2).
- Elijah Rabbah 15:1

In this source, we learn that Rabban Gamliel, (a descendant of Rabbi Hillel and the teacher of Paul³) had implemented this practice to some extent. Though the specific steps and order of handwashing may not have been agreed upon fully, the general practice was.

Water is poured over a single hand and held in a light fist to perform this purification. This is done with a particular type of cup that has two handles. We see mention of the practice of washing 'with a fist' and immersion of utensils in the Greek of Mark 7:3-4⁴.

The type of cup would have looked like the one below.

Washing Vessels

In time, the Pharisaic schools of Shammai and Hillel would further debate the technicalities of the practice. In their discussions, they explored whether or not one should wash the outside of cups and vessels handled in the process of purification. Their conversations are quite thoughtful. Though it is a little more complicated, these conversations are scattered throughout the Mishnah, Tosefta, and the Talmuds to address this matter.

For example, suppose the cup was ritually impure from contact with impure hands; should one wash the cup before washing the hands? According to the school of Shammai, yes.

The school of Hillel held a slightly different view, which presumed the cup to be impure⁵. Their solution then was to handle the cup and purify the hands (at the end), immediately before reciting the blessing and eating. In one source, the Tosefta, we read;

The school of Hillel says, “The outside of the cup is always impure, hands should be washed as close to the meal as possible.” - Tosefta Berakhot 5:26

Notice a few key things;