Parashat M'tzora (Leviticus 14:1 - 15:33)

by Rabbi Aaron Goldstein

Summary

This is the second parasha to deal with ritual impurity in the Israelite camp and the need to maintain purity so that the relationship to God's presence in the community is not harmed. M'tzora deals with the purification process of one identified as having tzara-at, a flaky skin disease (often falsely translated as leprosy). Tzara-at can also occur in houses, usually attributed to a fungus growth and the purification process is again detailed. Finally, defilement through discharges from sex organs addressed.

Commentary

A verse that caused much interest to the Rabbis of old was:

The owner of the house (that has tzara-at) shall come and tell the priest, saying, "there seems to be some sort of plague on my house (Lev 14:35).

A number of observations exercised the Rabbis concerning the doubt that should be expressed: "there seems to be..." Much commentary is linked to lashon ha'ra - gossip and slander which takes its proofs from a number of examples when gossip or slander leads to a character being struck with an ailment such as tzara-at, the most famous example being that of Miriam for slandering Moses concerning his choice of wife. Of this, the Babylonian Talmud (Berachot 4a) says, I have learned from my Masters that the wording is not associated with the definition of purity and impurity. Rather, it serves as a moral lesson, i.e., even in the event of certainty about an impurity, once should declare it as doubtful. Thus our Sages have stated, "Teach your tongue to say, 'I do not know.'"

The Maharal of Prague, Rabbi Judah Loeb observes that in the case of tzara-at in a human or in a building, the afflicted does not go to a physician or other expert but to the priest. This was purely a case of physical purity. therefore, even if the afflicted is able to accurately self-diagnose, they should still go to the priest.

Thankfully, a Liberal Rabbi is rarely asked to comment upon matters of ritual purity. We do not uphold the same need for purity that became an end in itself rather than the means to encourage and inspire righteous action. Rather, let this parasha inspire us to act righteously and not to commit another sin of speech - not using it! This Sunday 13th April, is the fifth Day for Darfur. UK organisers of the Day for Darfur are planning a major demonstration outside the Sudanese Embassy, starting at 12.30pm. If  you cannot actually attend the event (http://www.globefordarfur.org/index.php?content=event_detail&include=yes&location=London,%20UK) then please consider how you can make your voice heard. In days without priests, we all need to make our voices heard about a scourge of our time.

Rabbi Aaron Goldstein

Northwood and Pinner Liberal Synagogue