Our Gemara on Amud Aleph raises a question regarding the lasting effects of the ablution from the waters of the Basin in the Temple:

“Ilfa raises a dilemma: According to the statement of Rabbi Elazar, son of Rabbi Shimon, who says that the disqualification of being left overnight is not determinative with regard to sanctification of the hands and feet, what is the halacha with regard to the water in the Basin? Is it disqualified by being left overnight?

Do we say: For what purpose is this water? It is for the sanctification of the hands and feet, and since sanctification of the hands and feet itself is not disqualified by being left overnight, the halacha should be the same concerning the water. Or perhaps, since the water is sanctified in a service vessel, i.e., the Basin, it is disqualified by being left overnight, like all other items sanctified in service vessels.”

It occurs to me that there is important symbolism in this passage. The waters of the Basin are a spiritual catalyst, enabling purification. In many aspects of life, the catalyst—spiritual or emotional—has a shelf life, while the affected object endures far longer. A plant seed or human seed will expire rather quickly if not potentiated into life. However, once that life is activated, it is much more durable. The effect of the waters of the Basin may last much longer than the waters themselves, which become disqualified overnight.

In general, spiritual or emotional inspiration can expire quickly if not acted upon. But if the moment is seized, the effects can be long-lasting.

The substance of the Basin itself speaks of a moment in time, in the crisis of oppressive genocidal persecution in Egypt, where action was taken that yielded long-term results and generations of Jewish people. As Rashi (Shemos 38:8) quotes the Midrash Tanchuma regarding the source of the copper used for the Basin:

“The Israelite women possessed mirrors of copper into which they used to look when they adorned themselves…When their husbands were tired through the crushing labour they would bring them food and drink and induce them to eat. Then they would take the mirrors, and each gazed at herself in her mirror together with her husband, saying endearingly to him, ‘See, I am handsomer than you!’ Thus they aroused their husbands’ affection and subsequently became the mothers of many children, as it is said, (Song 8:5) ‘I awakened thy love under the apple tree’ (referring to the fields where the men worked).”