{The tradition of the elders} (	(886e) paradosin t(936e)
presbuter(936e)). This was the oral law, handed down by the elders
of the past in _ex cathedra_ fashion and later codified in the
Mishna. Handwashing before meals is not a requirement of the Old
Testament. It is, we know, a good thing for sanitary reasons, but
the rabbis made it a mark of righteousness for others at any
rate. This item was magnified at great length in the oral
teaching. The washing (
iptontai, middle voice, note) of the
hands called for minute regulations. It was commanded to wash the
hands before meals, it was one's duty to do it after eating. The
more rigorous did it between the courses. The hands must be
immersed. Then the water itself must be "clean" and the cups or
pots used must be ceremonially "clean." Vessels were kept full of
clean water ready for use ( Joh 2:6-8 ). So it went on _ad
infinitum_. Thus a real issue is raised between Jesus and the
rabbis. It was far more than a point of etiquette or of
hygienics. The rabbis held it to be a mortal sin. The incident
may have happened in a Pharisee's house.