[←29]
A precautionary washing request or tradition in accordance with Leviticus 15:11 is not unreasonable as a matter of habit or prudence, but should not be interpreted as a standing mandate either. Eating while in an unclean state was still permitted (ref. Deuteronomy 12:15), provided that contact with others or communal food (e.g., Deuteronomy 26:14) was avoided.