For the source text click/tap here: Chullin 124
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Not all situations of tum’ah are created equal.
Depending on the source of the tum’ah, bones may or may not transfer ritual defilement. For example, according to the Mishna, someone who touches the bones of a dead person or of defiled sacrifices will always become ritually defiled; someone who touches the bones of a neveila (see above, daf 73) or of a sheretz (see above, daf 122) will become ritually defiled only if the bone contains edible marrow and the bone has a crack or opening in it.
This is because human bones are deemed tameh (see Bamidbar 19:16) while regarding animals only edible flesh – including bone marrow – will give off tum’ah (see Vayikra 11:36, 39).
The Gemara relates that there are also differences between ways that ritual defilement can be contracted. For example, aside from coming into physical contact with the dead animal, tum’ah can also be transferred by carrying the animal, even if one does not touch it (see Vayikra 11:40).
We continue our exploration of different scholars regarding the purity legislation in bible and talmud.