Nazir 54: Transferring Tumah

The rabbis are concerned about how not just a corpse but a grave imparts tumah, ritual impurity.  Their concern is based on Numbers 19:18, where the grave is included in a list of items that impart tumah.  This discussion is followed by another conversation about how to purify oneself after becoming tamei.

A new Mishna tells us about noticing hanging branches and stones that project over a corpse.  Anything that covers a corpse, including a stone that covers the cave/gravesite impart tumah to some groups of people but not others.  Some contact will make a nazirite tamei but will not require him/her to shave, ie. to discontinue his/her nazirut.

The Gemara looks to define some of the terms used in the Mishna.  It ends our daf with a conversation about the transmission of tumah: is ritual impurity transferred through the air or through the ground?