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Immersing with a reptile in his hand is a halachic expression which is found in the teachings of Chazal.
The Halachic meaning of this expression is, someone who touches one of the eight impure reptiles mentioned in the Torah[1] is rendered impure. In order to purify himself he must immerse in a Mikveh. However, one that immerses himself while still holding the source of his impurity (i.e. the impure reptile), does not become pure.[citation needed]
The expression was broadened to denote anyone that is trying to do Teshuva (repent for his sins) and mend his ways - yet at the same time still doing unwanted actions. Meaning that in order to properly repent one must completely abandon his sins.[citation needed]
In modern times, this expression is used for someone who is working for pure and just actions but has not left his bad and atrocious ways. Or someone that while doing a moral action does a significantly unethical action. For example, while doing a Mitzvah or a small Jewish custom he disgracefully embarrasses another (similar to a Mitzva Haba'ah Ba'Aveira.[citation needed]
Source edit
This expression is first found in Tosefta in regards to the laws of fasting and repentance. Stating that fasts and prayer are not beneficial if a person does not truthfully intend of completely abandoning sin:
"If someone has a reptile in his hand, even if he immerses in the Shiloach and in all created waters he remain impure. If he throws the reptile from his hands, then he can easily become pure in forty se'ah (the legal minimus amount for a Mikveh). It also states in the scriptures (Mishlei, 28:13) one who admits and abandons will be mercied."[2]
A later source is found in the Talmud brought in a similar vain:
"Rav Ada Bar Ahava said: A person that has transgressed and confesses but does not abandon (the sin) to what is he similar? To a person who grasps a reptile in his hand, for even if he immerses in all the waters in the world - his immersion is invalid. If he throws (the reptile) from his hand, once he immerses in forty se'ah, his immersion is immediately valid. As it says one who admits and abandons will be mercied."[3]
Rashi, relying on the medrash, uses this expression in its modern use.[4]
References edit