“The Lord gave these instructions to Moses: “Command the people of Israel to remove from the camp anyone who has a skin disease or a discharge, or who has become ceremonially unclean by touching a dead person” (Numbers 5:1-2, NLT).

     This command is a foreign concept to many of us. The idea that a person can become “ceremonially unclean” as a consequence of a skin disease or by touching a corpse seems antiquated. Yet such was once a prevalent understanding within Judaism.

     The first three gospels allude to the law above within the story of the woman who touched the hem of Jesus’ robe. She believed that by physically contacting the tassel of Jesus’ prayer shawl, she would be healed. She was, in fact, correct. A simple touch ended her twelve-year struggle with a bleeding disorder.

     Dr. Dacher Keltner, a psychology professor and the advisor for the Pixar film, Inside Out, claims that human touch is the foundation of human relationships. Keltner co-authored a study that examined the celebratory “touches” of professional basketball players. Fist bumps, high-fives, full hugs, back slaps, and team huddles are an important part of team comradery.

     The researchers discovered that teams whose players touched one another a lot did better than the teams whose players did not. Keltner concluded that touch lowers stress, builds morale, and encourages cooperation. Human touch is a critical conduit for healing, bonding, and uplifting one another.

     Unfortunately, the act of touching is being abandoned in many social arenas. A hug can be interpreted as a boundary violation. A pat on the back may be viewed as an unwanted sexual advance.

     I fully understand the need for caution. We live in a world of people whose unscrupulous desires put others at risk. Yet ways do exist to touch one another that are helpful rather than harmful.

     Asking permission before extending your hands and arms is always a good idea. (It is especially important to get the parent’s O.K. before hugging a child). A side hug likewise may be more welcome in mixed company. Even a warm handshake can communicate a positive message to someone who is having a tough day.