Part 1: Scientific Advantages of Exercise and Dance
Fredrick Nietzsche:
We should consider every day lost on which we have not danced at least once.
Exercise has been shown to improve your mood and decrease feelings of depression, anxiety and stress.
It produces changes in the parts of the brain that regulate stress and anxiety.
It can also increase brain sensitivity for the hormones serotonin and norepinephrine, which relieve feelings of depression.
Additionally, exercise can increase the production of endorphins, which are known to help produce positive feelings and reduce the perception of pain.
Furthermore, exercise has been shown to reduce symptoms in people suffering from anxiety. It can also help them be more aware of their mental state and practice distraction from their fears.
In fact, a study in 24 women who had been diagnosed with depression showed that exercise of any intensity significantly decreased feelings of depression.
The effects of exercise on mood are so powerful that choosing to exercise (or not) even makes a difference over short periods.
One study asked 26 healthy men and women who normally exercised regularly to either continue exercising or stop exercising for two weeks. Those who stopped exercising experienced increases in negative mood.
Experiments have proved the cognitive benefits of dancing.
Dancing was the only physical activity that proved to be associated with a lower risk of dementia, and had the greatest influence on mental activity compared to any of the other activities. You can think of dancing as a super-battery for your brain — it integrates kinesthetic, rational, musical, and emotional brain functions all at once, which increase your neural connectivity.
Dancing also seems to encourage social bonding and what psychologists call “self-other merging.”
It can facilitate spiritual experiences.
According to Science Daily, a study conducted by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem found that dancers show consistent differences in two key genes from the general population—including the serotonin transporter, which regulates the level of serotonin, a brain transmitter that contributes to spiritual experiences.
We should consider every day lost on which we have not danced at least once.
Exercise has been shown to improve your mood and decrease feelings of depression, anxiety and stress.
It produces changes in the parts of the brain that regulate stress and anxiety.
It can also increase brain sensitivity for the hormones serotonin and norepinephrine, which relieve feelings of depression.
Additionally, exercise can increase the production of endorphins, which are known to help produce positive feelings and reduce the perception of pain.
Furthermore, exercise has been shown to reduce symptoms in people suffering from anxiety. It can also help them be more aware of their mental state and practice distraction from their fears.
In fact, a study in 24 women who had been diagnosed with depression showed that exercise of any intensity significantly decreased feelings of depression.
The effects of exercise on mood are so powerful that choosing to exercise (or not) even makes a difference over short periods.
One study asked 26 healthy men and women who normally exercised regularly to either continue exercising or stop exercising for two weeks. Those who stopped exercising experienced increases in negative mood.
Experiments have proved the cognitive benefits of dancing.
Dancing was the only physical activity that proved to be associated with a lower risk of dementia, and had the greatest influence on mental activity compared to any of the other activities. You can think of dancing as a super-battery for your brain — it integrates kinesthetic, rational, musical, and emotional brain functions all at once, which increase your neural connectivity.
Dancing also seems to encourage social bonding and what psychologists call “self-other merging.”
It can facilitate spiritual experiences.
According to Science Daily, a study conducted by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem found that dancers show consistent differences in two key genes from the general population—including the serotonin transporter, which regulates the level of serotonin, a brain transmitter that contributes to spiritual experiences.
Part 2: The Importance of Joy in Avodat Hashem
(ב) עִבְד֣וּ אֶת־ה' בְּשִׂמְחָ֑ה בֹּ֥אוּ לְ֝פָנָ֗יו בִּרְנָנָֽה׃
(2) worship the LORD in gladness; come into His presence with shouts of joy.
(מו) וְהָי֣וּ בְךָ֔ לְא֖וֹת וּלְמוֹפֵ֑ת וּֽבְזַרְעֲךָ֖ עַד־עוֹלָֽם׃ (מז) תַּ֗חַת אֲשֶׁ֤ר לֹא־עָבַ֙דְתָּ֙ אֶת־ה' אֱלֹקֶ֔יךָ בְּשִׂמְחָ֖ה וּבְט֣וּב לֵבָ֑ב מֵרֹ֖ב כֹּֽל׃
(46) They shall serve as signs and proofs against you and your offspring for all time. (47) Because you would not serve the LORD your God in joy and gladness over the abundance of everything,
Shaar Hakavanot — Writings of the Ari, quoted in Netivot Shalom vol. 1, p. 28
It is forbidden to pray out of sadness, and if one does, his soul cannot receive the higher light drawn on him during prayer. Rather, his prayer should be in exceedingly joyous, as much as possible. This is comparable to a servant serving his master out of great joy. . .
It is forbidden to pray out of sadness, and if one does, his soul cannot receive the higher light drawn on him during prayer. Rather, his prayer should be in exceedingly joyous, as much as possible. This is comparable to a servant serving his master out of great joy. . .
Ruach Chaim on Avot 6:6 — Rabbi Chaim Volozhin
“Torah Study With joy: Because one who learns with joy can learn more in one hour than what he can learn in many hours when he is sad. Also, the Torah is the plaything of the Holy One, Blessed be He, and one must be joyous about such a great thing.
“Torah Study With joy: Because one who learns with joy can learn more in one hour than what he can learn in many hours when he is sad. Also, the Torah is the plaything of the Holy One, Blessed be He, and one must be joyous about such a great thing.
Part 3: Dance in Tanach
(ב) יִשְׂמַ֣ח יִשְׂרָאֵ֣ל בְּעֹשָׂ֑יו בְּנֵֽי־צִ֝יּ֗וֹן יָגִ֥ילוּ בְמַלְכָּֽם׃ (ג) יְהַֽלְל֣וּ שְׁמ֣וֹ בְמָח֑וֹל בְּתֹ֥ף וְ֝כִנּ֗וֹר יְזַמְּרוּ־לֽוֹ׃
(2) Let Israel rejoice in its maker; let the children of Zion exult in their king. (3) Let them praise His name in dance; with timbrel and lyre let them chant His praises.
(יד) וְדָוִ֛ד מְכַרְכֵּ֥ר בְּכָל־עֹ֖ז לִפְנֵ֣י ה' וְדָוִ֕ד חָג֖וּר אֵפ֥וֹד בָּֽד׃ (טו) וְדָוִד֙ וְכָל־בֵּ֣ית יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל מַעֲלִ֖ים אֶת־אֲר֣וֹן ה' בִּתְרוּעָ֖ה וּבְק֥וֹל שׁוֹפָֽר׃ (טז) וְהָיָה֙ אֲר֣וֹן ה' בָּ֖א עִ֣יר דָּוִ֑ד וּמִיכַ֨ל בַּת־שָׁא֜וּל נִשְׁקְפָ֣ה ׀ בְּעַ֣ד הַחַלּ֗וֹן וַתֵּ֨רֶא אֶת־הַמֶּ֤לֶךְ דָּוִד֙ מְפַזֵּ֤ז וּמְכַרְכֵּר֙ לִפְנֵ֣י ה' וַתִּ֥בֶז ל֖וֹ בְּלִבָּֽהּ׃ (יז) וַיָּבִ֜אוּ אֶת־אֲר֣וֹן ה' וַיַּצִּ֤גוּ אֹתוֹ֙ בִּמְקוֹמ֔וֹ בְּת֣וֹךְ הָאֹ֔הֶל אֲשֶׁ֥ר נָטָה־ל֖וֹ דָּוִ֑ד וַיַּ֨עַל דָּוִ֥ד עֹל֛וֹת לִפְנֵ֥י ה' וּשְׁלָמִֽים׃
(14) David whirled with all his might before the LORD; David was girt with a linen ephod. (15) Thus David and all the House of Israel brought up the Ark of the LORD with shouts and with blasts of the horn. (16) As the Ark of the LORD entered the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul looked out of the window and saw King David leaping and whirling before the LORD; and she despised him for it. (17) They brought in the Ark of the LORD and set it up in its place inside the tent which David had pitched for it, and David sacrificed burnt offerings and offerings of well-being before the LORD.
(יב) וּבָאוּ֮ וְרִנְּנ֣וּ בִמְרוֹם־צִיּוֹן֒ וְנָהֲר֞וּ אֶל־ט֣וּב ה' עַל־דָּגָן֙ וְעַל־תִּירֹ֣שׁ וְעַל־יִצְהָ֔ר וְעַל־בְּנֵי־צֹ֖אן וּבָקָ֑ר וְהָיְתָ֤ה נַפְשָׁם֙ כְּגַ֣ן רָוֶ֔ה וְלֹא־יוֹסִ֥יפוּ לְדַאֲבָ֖ה עֽוֹד׃ (יג) אָ֣ז תִּשְׂמַ֤ח בְּתוּלָה֙ בְּמָח֔וֹל וּבַחֻרִ֥ים וּזְקֵנִ֖ים יַחְדָּ֑ו וְהָפַכְתִּ֨י אֶבְלָ֤ם לְשָׂשׂוֹן֙ וְנִ֣חַמְתִּ֔ים וְשִׂמַּחְתִּ֖ים מִיגוֹנָֽם׃
(12) They shall come and shout on the heights of Zion, Radiant over the bounty of the LORD— Over new grain and wine and oil, And over sheep and cattle. They shall fare like a watered garden, They shall never languish again. (13) Then shall maidens dance gaily, Young men and old alike. I will turn their mourning to joy, I will comfort them and cheer them in their grief.
(ד) עֵ֤ת לִבְכּוֹת֙ וְעֵ֣ת לִשְׂח֔וֹק עֵ֥ת סְפ֖וֹד וְעֵ֥ת רְקֽוֹד׃
(4) A time for weeping and a time for laughing, A time for wailing and a time for dancing;
(י) כָּ֥ל עַצְמוֹתַ֨י ׀ תֹּאמַרְנָה֮ ה' מִ֥י כָ֫מ֥וֹךָ מַצִּ֣יל עָ֭נִי מֵחָזָ֣ק מִמֶּ֑נּוּ וְעָנִ֥י וְ֝אֶבְי֗וֹן מִגֹּזְלֽוֹ׃
(10) All my bones shall say, “LORD, who is like You? You save the poor from one stronger than he, the poor and needy from his despoiler.”
Part 4 Dance in Rabbinical Thought
Ta’anit, Chapter 4:
There were no better (i.e. happier) days for the people of Israel than the Fifteenth of Av and Yom Kippur, since on these days the daughters of Israel would go out dressed in white and dance in the vineyards. What were they saying: Young man, consider whom you choose (to be your wife)
There were no better (i.e. happier) days for the people of Israel than the Fifteenth of Av and Yom Kippur, since on these days the daughters of Israel would go out dressed in white and dance in the vineyards. What were they saying: Young man, consider whom you choose (to be your wife)
Talmud Bavli Shabbat 30b
The Divine Presence does not rest on a person through sadness, nor through laughing or lightheadness, or conversation or idle talk — only through joy of a mitzva, for it says [with regards to the prophet Elisha], “Take for me a musician. And it was when the musician played, the Hand of G-d was on him.” Rav Yehuda says, This is also the case for a Halakhic teaching. Rava said this is also the case for a good dream.
The Divine Presence does not rest on a person through sadness, nor through laughing or lightheadness, or conversation or idle talk — only through joy of a mitzva, for it says [with regards to the prophet Elisha], “Take for me a musician. And it was when the musician played, the Hand of G-d was on him.” Rav Yehuda says, This is also the case for a Halakhic teaching. Rava said this is also the case for a good dream.
כשהיה מתפלל בינו לבין עצמו אדם מניחו בזוית זו ומוצאו בזוית אחרת וכל כך למה מפני כריעות והשתחויות:
With regard to one’s intent during prayer, it was taught in a baraita that Rabbi Yehuda said: This was the custom of Rabbi Akiva, when he would pray with the congregation he would shorten his prayer and go up, due to his desire to avoid being an encumbrance on the congregation by making them wait for him to finish his prayer. But when he prayed by himself he would extend his prayers to an extent that a person would leave Rabbi Akiva alone in one corner of the study hall and later find him still praying in another corner. And why would Rabbi Akiva move about so much? Because of his bows and prostrations. Rabbi Akiva’s enthusiasm in prayer was so great, that as a result of his bows and prostrations, he would unwittingly move from one corner to the other (Rav Hai Gaon).
Rambam Mishneh Torah – end of the Laws of Sukkah and Lulav
A person’s joy in doing the mitzvot and the love of Hashem who commanded them is a great avoda (service). Anyone who avoids this is deserving of reproof, as it says, “Because you did not serve Hashem your G-d with joy and goodness of heart.” Anyone who is arrogant and ascribes to himself honor in these situations [and thereby refrains from expressing joy in service of Hashem] is a sinner and and an idiot. This is what Shlomo warned — “Do not aggrandize yourself before the King.” This is also what David the King of Israel said, “I would even lighten myself more and be lowly in my own eyes.” The only greatness and honor is to be joyous before G-d, as it says, “King David was ecstatically dancing before Hashem.”
A person’s joy in doing the mitzvot and the love of Hashem who commanded them is a great avoda (service). Anyone who avoids this is deserving of reproof, as it says, “Because you did not serve Hashem your G-d with joy and goodness of heart.” Anyone who is arrogant and ascribes to himself honor in these situations [and thereby refrains from expressing joy in service of Hashem] is a sinner and and an idiot. This is what Shlomo warned — “Do not aggrandize yourself before the King.” This is also what David the King of Israel said, “I would even lighten myself more and be lowly in my own eyes.” The only greatness and honor is to be joyous before G-d, as it says, “King David was ecstatically dancing before Hashem.”
Part 5: Dance in Chassidut
Netivot Shalom Maamar 15: Ivdu Et Hashem Bsimcha
The Rebbe from Ctzertekov, once had a student approach him, who was extremely scared and sad. The student was awaiting judgement on a life dependent matter. It was Motzey Chag and the rebbe commanded the man to dance and salvation will come from this.
He explained that once it was Motzay Yom Kippur and he commanded his students to dance. If they did not dance Kiddish Levanah it would be a tough year with tough decrees. And it was raining, so the moon couldn't be seen, but the Chassidim danced with fire and enthusiasm. And the dancing was so strong that the students flowed into the room of the Besht. and they asked the Besht to join them, and he did, and the joy was unlimited and suddenly the moon cake out in its purity. And the best said that what he could not achieve with his Yichudim had been achieved with his students joy! And the Besht explained that that there are two types of dancing. There are times where the joy begins with the mind and the heart and it spreads out to the feet...and there are times where the head and the heart are not with him but he begins to lift his feet with joy, and the awakening spreads from his limbs to his heart, "Until all of his bones say who are you?"
The Rebbe from Ctzertekov, once had a student approach him, who was extremely scared and sad. The student was awaiting judgement on a life dependent matter. It was Motzey Chag and the rebbe commanded the man to dance and salvation will come from this.
He explained that once it was Motzay Yom Kippur and he commanded his students to dance. If they did not dance Kiddish Levanah it would be a tough year with tough decrees. And it was raining, so the moon couldn't be seen, but the Chassidim danced with fire and enthusiasm. And the dancing was so strong that the students flowed into the room of the Besht. and they asked the Besht to join them, and he did, and the joy was unlimited and suddenly the moon cake out in its purity. And the best said that what he could not achieve with his Yichudim had been achieved with his students joy! And the Besht explained that that there are two types of dancing. There are times where the joy begins with the mind and the heart and it spreads out to the feet...and there are times where the head and the heart are not with him but he begins to lift his feet with joy, and the awakening spreads from his limbs to his heart, "Until all of his bones say who are you?"
Tzav Viziruz, Number 26
At the Hachnassat Sefer Torah, I had this burning desire to serve Hashem! But what can I do to serve Hashem with all my body? Dancing isn't good enough! I need to do a "somersault"... And the Yetzer Haro is telling me maybe it's not Kavod Hatorah...but i didn't give in, and I danced. And I was so happy when I found afterwards in the Midrash on Bamidbar Rabbah, that according to one perspective Dovid Hamelech was doing cartwheels before Hashem. But maybe I did it from a place of arrogance?
But I know that I did it for you...
At the Hachnassat Sefer Torah, I had this burning desire to serve Hashem! But what can I do to serve Hashem with all my body? Dancing isn't good enough! I need to do a "somersault"... And the Yetzer Haro is telling me maybe it's not Kavod Hatorah...but i didn't give in, and I danced. And I was so happy when I found afterwards in the Midrash on Bamidbar Rabbah, that according to one perspective Dovid Hamelech was doing cartwheels before Hashem. But maybe I did it from a place of arrogance?
But I know that I did it for you...
A Whole New Way
Once, when there were decrees against the Jews of Russia, Rabeinu Kodesh from Apta decreed a fast day. The Rhuzhin Rebbe, instead, made a day of joy and rejoicing. When the matter was told to the Rebbe of Apta, he responded “When they see in heaven Jews fasting - it doesn’t make such an impression. No new thing here: Where there is tzares (pain) - Jews fast.
But, in heaven, when they see the students of the Rhuzhner dancing and singing, it tears up all of the decrees.
Pitchu Shaarey Halev, p. 291.
Dancing from Pure Trust
The Chozeh MiLublin says there are two ways to enter into the Book of Life. You can enter with the hands, meaning your mitzvot, or you can enter with your feet, meaning with joyous dancing… from pure trust in Hakadosh Baruch Hu... so join the circle of dancers!
Lev Hashamayim, Rosh Hashana, p. 96.
Once, when there were decrees against the Jews of Russia, Rabeinu Kodesh from Apta decreed a fast day. The Rhuzhin Rebbe, instead, made a day of joy and rejoicing. When the matter was told to the Rebbe of Apta, he responded “When they see in heaven Jews fasting - it doesn’t make such an impression. No new thing here: Where there is tzares (pain) - Jews fast.
But, in heaven, when they see the students of the Rhuzhner dancing and singing, it tears up all of the decrees.
Pitchu Shaarey Halev, p. 291.
Dancing from Pure Trust
The Chozeh MiLublin says there are two ways to enter into the Book of Life. You can enter with the hands, meaning your mitzvot, or you can enter with your feet, meaning with joyous dancing… from pure trust in Hakadosh Baruch Hu... so join the circle of dancers!
Lev Hashamayim, Rosh Hashana, p. 96.
The Kobriner Rebbe
What we achieve on Yom Kippur through affliction, we achieve on Simchat Torah through Simcha.
The entire Avodah from the beginning of 3 weeks, through Yom Kippur, until Simchat Torah is all just a set up to get to Atah Horeyta-the completely Dveikut and oneness that we feel on Simchat Torah!
Divrey Yoel
מרקד is to sift away any negativity.
R' Mendel Rimanover would tell his feet "Up, up up, there will be time to rest in the next world!"
What we achieve on Yom Kippur through affliction, we achieve on Simchat Torah through Simcha.
The entire Avodah from the beginning of 3 weeks, through Yom Kippur, until Simchat Torah is all just a set up to get to Atah Horeyta-the completely Dveikut and oneness that we feel on Simchat Torah!
Divrey Yoel
מרקד is to sift away any negativity.
R' Mendel Rimanover would tell his feet "Up, up up, there will be time to rest in the next world!"
Likutey Moharan I, 10
When harsh decrees threaten Israel , they can be sweetened through dancing and hand- clapping.
Likutey Moharan I, 41
Dancing for joy over a mitzvah is a wonderful thing. There are times when it is a mitzvah to drink wine, as on Shabbat and festivals, or at weddings and other religious celebrations. If you drink on such occasions, do not drink to excess but in moderation. Your intention should be for the sake of Heaven, to experience the true joy of Israel , which is to rejoice in God, who chose us from all the nations.
As the joy begins to radiate within you, it will spread to your legs until you literally start to dance for joy. This will banish the forces of impurity, which take hold of the legs, mitigating harsh judgments and enabling you to receive blessings.
The Empty Chair
Get into the habit of dancing. It will displace depression and dispel hardship.
When harsh decrees threaten Israel , they can be sweetened through dancing and hand- clapping.
Likutey Moharan I, 41
Dancing for joy over a mitzvah is a wonderful thing. There are times when it is a mitzvah to drink wine, as on Shabbat and festivals, or at weddings and other religious celebrations. If you drink on such occasions, do not drink to excess but in moderation. Your intention should be for the sake of Heaven, to experience the true joy of Israel , which is to rejoice in God, who chose us from all the nations.
As the joy begins to radiate within you, it will spread to your legs until you literally start to dance for joy. This will banish the forces of impurity, which take hold of the legs, mitigating harsh judgments and enabling you to receive blessings.
The Empty Chair
Get into the habit of dancing. It will displace depression and dispel hardship.
Rav Schach used to tell over...
It was Simchat Torah in the Camps...And Chassidim were waiting for their turn to to into the gas chambers.And one of the chassidim realized that it was Simchat Torah...We should dance! And the other chassidim said, are you crazy, we don't have a Torah, we don't have any food, how can we dance???
But then they realized-the one thing they can't take away from us is the Ribono Shel Olam. We can dance with him...Eventually the Nazi's were in such shock that they let the group go...
It was Simchat Torah in the Camps...And Chassidim were waiting for their turn to to into the gas chambers.And one of the chassidim realized that it was Simchat Torah...We should dance! And the other chassidim said, are you crazy, we don't have a Torah, we don't have any food, how can we dance???
But then they realized-the one thing they can't take away from us is the Ribono Shel Olam. We can dance with him...Eventually the Nazi's were in such shock that they let the group go...
Part 6: The Dangerous Side of Dancing
(כ) וַתִּקַּח֩ מִרְיָ֨ם הַנְּבִיאָ֜ה אֲח֧וֹת אַהֲרֹ֛ן אֶת־הַתֹּ֖ף בְּיָדָ֑הּ וַתֵּצֶ֤אןָ כָֽל־הַנָּשִׁים֙ אַחֲרֶ֔יהָ בְּתֻפִּ֖ים וּבִמְחֹלֹֽת׃ (כא) וַתַּ֥עַן לָהֶ֖ם מִרְיָ֑ם שִׁ֤ירוּ לַֽה' כִּֽי־גָאֹ֣ה גָּאָ֔ה ס֥וּס וְרֹכְב֖וֹ רָמָ֥ה בַיָּֽם׃ (ס)
(20) Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took a timbrel in her hand, and all the women went out after her in dance with timbrels. (21) And Miriam chanted for them: Sing to the LORD, for He has triumphed gloriously; Horse and driver He has hurled into the sea.
(יט) וַֽיְהִ֗י כַּאֲשֶׁ֤ר קָרַב֙ אֶל־הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֔ה וַיַּ֥רְא אֶת־הָעֵ֖גֶל וּמְחֹלֹ֑ת וַיִּֽחַר־אַ֣ף מֹשֶׁ֗ה וַיַּשְׁלֵ֤ךְ מידו [מִיָּדָיו֙] אֶת־הַלֻּחֹ֔ת וַיְשַׁבֵּ֥ר אֹתָ֖ם תַּ֥חַת הָהָֽר׃
(19) As soon as Moses came near the camp and saw the calf and the dancing, he became enraged; and he hurled the tablets from his hands and shattered them at the foot of the mountain.
Dr. David Ben-Gad HaCohen (Dudu Cohen)
Figures of dancers, singers and musicians decorate incense burners from Canaan and the surrounding areas. Archaeologists found figurines of dancers and musicians among the remains of various temples...
It is likely that the dancing wasn’t innocent dancing but rather erotic dancing, part of fertility rituals.[9] It was not “just” idolatry anymore. Fertility rituals represent moral degradation and a collapse of the society’s ethics. That apprehension caused Moses to break the tablets.
Figures of dancers, singers and musicians decorate incense burners from Canaan and the surrounding areas. Archaeologists found figurines of dancers and musicians among the remains of various temples...
It is likely that the dancing wasn’t innocent dancing but rather erotic dancing, part of fertility rituals.[9] It was not “just” idolatry anymore. Fertility rituals represent moral degradation and a collapse of the society’s ethics. That apprehension caused Moses to break the tablets.
(ו) וַיַּרְקִידֵ֥ם כְּמוֹ־עֵ֑גֶל לְבָנ֥וֹן וְ֝שִׂרְיֹ֗ן כְּמ֣וֹ בֶן־רְאֵמִֽים׃
(6) He makes Lebanon skip like a calf, Sirion, like a young wild ox.
Likutey Maharan 1:41
The fervor with which you dance is "a fire offering, a sweet savor to the Lord" (Numbers 28:8) . However, when a person dances with the heat of the evil inclination, this is a "strange fire" (Leviticus 10:1) , while the wine he drinks is the "wine of drunkenness", which allows the forces of impurity to take hold.
The fervor with which you dance is "a fire offering, a sweet savor to the Lord" (Numbers 28:8) . However, when a person dances with the heat of the evil inclination, this is a "strange fire" (Leviticus 10:1) , while the wine he drinks is the "wine of drunkenness", which allows the forces of impurity to take hold.