Thought of the Week: Tazria-Metzorah - 5777

ANTIDOTE FOR THE TZARA'AT 

The Rabbis in the Talmud regard the Tzara'at affliction, described in this week’s Paresha, as a punishment for slander and tale bearing.  A person who uses the great power of speech to hurt others and separate people from one another, has no place in the camp of Israel.

After a period of isolation- and reflection- the Metzorah is welcomed back into the camp, but only after being guided and learning a lesson from the Kohen.

In Pirkei Avot we are told by Hillel to "be of the disciples of Aharon, who was a lover of peace, and a pursuer of peace, who loved the creatures and drew them close to Torah."

The Metzorah's flaw originates in attitude.  He is a person that could immediately notice the bad qualities in others and is happy to share the information.

Such a person needs a lesson from the children of Aharon the Kohanim. By learning to love people and see the good in them, we can welcome the former Metzorah into our community.

Shabbat Shalom