Editing Book of Leviticus (section)

===Uncleanliness and purity===
Ritual purity is essential for an Israelite to be able to approach Yahweh and remain part of the community.<ref name="Kugler, Hartin, p.82"/> Uncleanliness threatens holiness;<ref>Davies, Rogerson, p. 101</ref> chapters 11–15 review the various causes of uncleanliness and describe the rituals which will restore cleanliness;<ref>Marx, p. 104</ref> one is to maintain cleanliness through observation of the rules on sexual behaviour, family relations, land ownership, worship, sacrifice, and observance of holy days.<ref name="Balentine 2002, p.8">Balentine (2002), p. 8</ref>

[[Yahweh]] dwells with Israel in the [[Tabernacle]]. All of the priestly ritual focuses on Yahweh and the construction and maintenance of a holy space, but sin generates impurity, as do everyday events such as childbirth and [[menstruation]]; impurity pollutes the holy dwelling place. Failure to purify the sacred space ritually could result in God's leaving, which would be disastrous.<ref>Gorman, pp. 10–11</ref>