Weekly Shabbat Parsha Thoughts – Tazria –Metzora – 4.16.2010

This week the torah discusses the punishment and forgiveness for the sin of speaking evil of others (or la’shon ha’rah). The portion describes the punishment as a form of leprosy and the quarantine and purification ritual. Two points that stood out in my mind when I was reviewing the parsha:

1) It seems important for the torah to point out that the punishment for this sin is physical, noticeable and does not go away. If we are one that speaks ill of others, that damage and reputation will eventually be with us and as visible on us as the clothes we wear.

2) The purification rituals are very similar to the ones that the priests had to do when they were initiated. In order to take oneself from a state of impurity from la’shon ha’rah to forgiven one had to go through the same process that it took for the priests to be ready to serve in the temple.

Both of these give us an implication of the seriousness of the sin. In looking over this I also was reminded that such a serious punishment is for a sin that is serious but also very within our human nature.

So maintaining our purity involves a choice of self control. Which is both a challenge because it is something that is very human to do (we all know this) but also something that is very human to be able to control. This is not a “miracle” or requires a sacrifice or something out of our normal experience.

Once again the Torah reminds us of a central and inspiring lesson. And that reminder is that our ability to be chosen is one, based in our ability to act and two, completely within our capacity to act and react to our real world. In order for us to be a part of the community (i.e. not quarantined) we must be in control and responsible for our actions; and when we are able to do this we can be ourselves and part of the community. And when we cannot we will be apart from the community, just like the quarantined people from this portion.

It reminds us of the cost of our actions but at the same time reminds us that our ability to be chosen, Jewish and an active part of our community is (and must be) within our hands and control. What a challenge… and what an inspiration.

Shabbat Shalom.

Summary from torah.org

1st Aliya: The laws of purity and impurity as they pertain to child-birth are discussed. The basic laws of Tzaraat involving the diagnosis of the Kohain and possible quarantine, as well as the laws of Tzarrat as it relates to healthy skin and infection are stated.

2nd and 3rd Aliya:The laws of Tzaraat as it relates to burns, a bald patch, dull white spots, and the presence of a blemish on clothing is discussed.

4th Aliya: The purification process of the Mitzora involving two Kosher birds, a piece of cedar, some crimson wool, a hyssop branch, fresh spring water, s clay bowl, a Kohain, the Mikveh, seven days, a haircut and a Korban with its Mincha offering is detailed.

5th Aliya: The Korban of a Mitzorah who is poor is discussed.

6th and 7th Aliya:The laws dealing with blemishes that appear on a house are detailed. Following the laws of Tzaraat, the Torah turns is attention to various laws dealing with bodily discharges that render the individual Tameh. Male discharges, seminal discharges, menstruation, and other female discharges are detailed. Note that the basic laws of Family Purity are stated in verses 15:19-26.