Tzaraat

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The One Who Mourns For Himself
Prof. Jonathan Grossman
This article examines the impurity and process of purification for the metzora. The laws of the metzora are reminiscent of the laws of mourning; he "buries" himself outside of the camp and mourns for himself. The purification process is a rebirth, symbolizing a brand new entry into the world and a desire to return to life.
The Person, the Garment, and the House
Rabbi Amnon Bazak
The structure of the section in the Torah devoted to leprous sores, which begins in our parasha and concludes in Parashat Metzora, gives rise to an obvious question concerning the order of the topics addressed. This article explores two possible explanations for the central focus on the garments throughout the text.
Tazria - Metzora
Haftarot: Tazria - Metzora
Rabbi Mosheh Lichtenstein
Four stories about lepers appear in the books of the prophets. Three of the stories relate to Elisha (Na'aman, Gehazi, the Four Lepers). Why is Elisha the only prophet who meets with lepers and is involved with leprosy? What is the connections between leprosy and the war with Aram?
Of Death and Defilement (Audio)
Rabbi Chanoch Waxman | 19 minutes
Tazria, a parsha dealing with various cases of impurity as they pertain to the Mikdash, may appear to begin an interruption - why doesn't “Acharei Mot” come right after Shemini, the preceding (and related) narrative? This shiur argues that Tazria is a natural continuation to Shemini, presenting the proper way for priests to engage with God, tum'a and tahara and encounters with death.
Atoning for Impurity?
Rabbi Ezra Bick | 15 minutes
Parshat Metzora focuses on tzaraat, an extremely severe type of tum'a, with a detailed purification process. By seeing what the Metzora (the affected person) undergoes to remove, we can understand what he is removing and what the significance is of “kappara” (atonement) in a case which is apparently beyond one's control.
Zealousness for Moshe (Audio)
Prof. Jonathan Grossman | 14 minutes
How is the story of Miriam's leprosy related to the preceding story of the seventy elders? Stylistic elements unite the two stories, but most prominent is the pressing issue which links them both: the nature of Moshe's prophecy. Examining the two stories together as two perspectives (and defenses) for one novel situation allows us to better appreciate the challenges, tensions, and messages about prophecy, leadership, and Moshe's prophetic leadership.
The Living Dead
Rabbi Alex Israel | 35 minutes
In this shiur, we look at Parshiyyot Tazriya and Metzora in the wider context of the world of tum’a and tahara – purity and impurity. We explore some philosophical ideas behind the laws and rituals of tum’a and tahara (such as found in the Kuzari and in Rav Soloveichik’s Halakhic Man) to enable us to appreciate the meaning behind these abstract concepts.
Curing Na’aman
Rabbi Alex Israel
The themes of the story of Naaman are: power and subservience, pride and humility, authority and submission. Ironically it is from the character of the lowest rank, the Israelite maid, that Na’aman's salvation shall emerge. At the outset we are struck by the enormous contrast between the "young girl – na’ara ketana" and Na’aman, the "great man – ish gadol"; the simple powerless slave child shall save the powerful general. This inversion of the power structure, whereby the lowest figure provides the key to salvation for her superior, undercuts the aforementioned hierarchy. It is not the grand ceremonies and gestures, but the contrite heart that God sees; not opportunistic manipulation, but pure straightforward honesty and humility that stand before God.
A Deeper Look At The Priestly Role
Rabbi David Block |
Why does the Torah use the culminating moment for the priests to go through a long and bizarre induction ceremony? And what do its parallels to a certain other section of text teach us about the deeper role of the priests of the Temple? Want to see more videos like this? Check out https://www.alephbeta.org/
From Seven to Eight
Rabbi Menachem Leibtag
What links Brit Milla, the Metzora, the Eighth Day of Miluim, and Shmini Atzeret? The number seven represents nature, and the number eight represents that which transcends nature.
Rejoining the Community
Rabbi David Fohrman |
The purification of the Metzora is linked with Korban Pessah; only through these two processes can one become fully alive and part of the community. Want to see more videos like this? Check out https://www.alephbeta.org/
The Finger of God
Rabbi Chanoch Waxman | 41 minutes
How do we understand the affliction of tzara'at? Why are the laws of tzara'at placed in the middle of Sefer Vayikra? By closely reading the text and noticing parallels in the story of the deaths of Nadav and Avihu, we can learn about the uniqueness of tzara'at as a supernatural affliction that comes from God, and the role of the Kohanim in distinguishing between tum'ah and tahara.
The Sequence of the Tzara'at Laws
Rabbi Elchanan Samet
There are two perspectives from which one can gain an understanding of the laws of tum'a and tahara. By exploring the order of the parshiot dealing with these laws from a more general perspective, and then more specifically by examining the structure of every individual parsha.
The Reasons Behind Tzara'at and Other Forms of Tum'a
Rabbi Elchanan Samet
What can we learn from the structure of the verses detailing the laws of tzara'at? What is tzara'at? What is the significance of the tum'a of tzara'at? We can attempt to answer these questions utilizing an exploration of the general significance of all the tum'ot in the Torah as a basis for discussing the tum'a of tzara'at specifically.
The Best of Times: The Reigns of Yerovam ben Yoash and Uziya
Rabbi Alex Israel
The long and impressive reign of Yerovam ben Yoash sees the Northern Kingdom reaching the summit of its regional power and material prosperity. The prophet Amos who prophesies during this period, reveals a society of enormous wealth, complacency, and security and yet bearing startling inequalities of income, and outrageous exploitation of the poor by the rich.

Uziya's long reign is filled with a long list of impressive accomplishments: Military conquests, extensive fortification of Jerusalem, development of agriculture and a cutting-edge military. However, his successes lead to arrogance and his eventual downfall, plagued till his death with Tzaraat. Yishayahu describes a society in Yehuda similar to what Amos described in the North.

While Sefer Melakhim dwells almost exclusively on the issue of idolatry, Amos and Yishayahu highlight the sins of arrogance and social injustice. Amos warns of an earthquake which shakes the kingdom a mere two years after Amos begins his prophecy. And yet, even with a national disaster of this proportion, Israel and Yehuda fails to harness its peace and wealth towards kindness, justice, and communal support.
Taharat HaMetzora
Rabbi Ezra Bick
What does the status "tamei" imply? By closely examining the purification process of the metzora, we notice direct parallels with the atonement process on Yom Kippur, and identify three distinct stages in the purification of a metzora - kappara, tahara, and chinuch. Through a close reading of the text we can understand that tum'a is a state which interferes and prevents the relationship of a man with the sacred, with kedusha, and with God.
Tzara'at of the House
Rabbanit Sharon Rimon
Tzara'at of the house is one of three types of afflictions mentioned in the parshiyot of Tazria-Metzora. However, it is mentioned separately from the other two, and has distinct characteristics. What causes the affliction of this type of tzara'at? Why does the first verse in the description of tzara'at of the house sound like the herald of some auspicious declaration or promise? What is the connection between tzara'at of the house and the entrance into the land of Israel?
Of Death and Defilement
Rabbi Chanoch Waxman
Why did the Torah place the laws of tum'a and tahara in between the stories of the deaths of the sons of Aharon and the laws of entering the Mishkan? Why do the laws of the metzora directly follow the story of the deaths of Nadav and Avihu? It is possible that the answer to this question lies in the mutual exclusivity of the concepts of holiness and tum'a, and the link between tum'a and death.
Naaman: Humility and Hubris
A Close Reading of II Kings Chapter 5
Rabbi Alex Israel
תאריך פרסום: תשע"ד | |
This shiur focuses on the story of Naaman, the army general of the king of Aram during the days of the prophet Elisha. Our analysis of the long narrative about Naaman brings us to a new understanding of the story. As well as a message about the power of Kiddush HaShem (Sanctifying the name of God) which jumps out after a first glance, we find a study of hierarchy, social ranking, and the layers and levels of authority. How do we negotiate the architecture of society within the limitations of our position within it?
Tazria - The Tzaraat Process
Rabbi Jonathan Snowbell
תאריך פרסום: תשע"ח | | 17 minutes
Parashat Tazria discusses the laws of tzaraat. We examine tzaraat, along with its associations with purity and impurity states. We emphasize that all of these issues and labels are spiritual, not medical labels.
Tazria - Metzora and Malachi - Preparing for the Mikdash and the Meaning of Metzora
Rabbi Jonathan Snowbell
תאריך פרסום: תש"ע | | 10 minutes
What is the role of the Beit HaMikdash in society, and where should we focus our efforts in relating to the missing Mikdash? Verses from the Book of Malachi, specifically ones from the Haftara for Shabbat Hagadol, highlight this question. Are we to focus on the Mikdash specifically, or building a foundation of a good and just society - or might elements of both be appropriate?

We turn to Parashat Tazria - Metzora and consider the different types of tzaraat mentioned in the Torah, while beginning to get into the mindest of the metzora. What is the significance of each type of tzaraat (tzaraat of the body, clothing, or house), and what is the relative severity of each? What significance is there in the order of the different types?
Tazria-Metzora: Joy in Children
Rabbi Jay Kelman
Impurity in Life and in Death
Rabbi Dr. Yoel Bin Nun
What is the common denominator linking all the various types of impurity listed in parshiot Tazria- Metzora? Through a close examination of the text we can understand that impurity is caused by the presence of or contact with different manifestations of death.
Structure of Tazria- Metzora
HaTanakh.com Staff
Metzora: A Bird Set Free
Rabbi David Silverberg
Metzora: Mark of Adam
Rabbi David Silverberg
Metzora: A Bird Set Free
Rabbi David Silverberg
Metzora: "Healthy" Skin
Rabbi David Silverberg
Rav Soloveichik on Metzora and Mourners
Rabbi David Silverberg
Haftarat Metzora: A Look at the 4 Metzoraim and Geihazi
Rabbi David Silverberg
Tazria: Back to the Beginning
Rabbi Jay Kelman
Shabbat HaGadol and Tazria - Metzora: Foundations of Mikdash and Society and the Different Tzaraat Types
Rabbi Jonathan Snowbell | 10 minutes
Using the beginning of the Haftara of Shabbat HaGadol as our jumping-off point, we ask: What is the role of the beit hamidkash in society? It is meant to be built on the foundations of a good society. Where should we focus our efforts - on the mikdash specifically, or on building the foundation of a good society? How can the two be combined? We move on to Parashat Metzora and look at the three types of Tzaraat, the body, clothing, and house. We examine the symbolism of the order and the significance of each. How severe is or was each type?
Rashi
Part 3 - The Moral and Educational Philosophy of Rashi (I)
Dr. Avigail Rock
Does Rashi explicate the verses only when he finds some difficulty in them, with the sole motive of clarifying the text, or does Rashi see himself as obligated not only to explain the verses, but even to educate the community and to transmit messages by way of parshanut when these opportunities arise?

Regardless of the position we maintain regarding Rashi’s motivations, there is no doubt that Rashi — whether intentionally or unintentionally — has becomes one of the great developers of Jewish education throughout all generations.

Rashi is directly responsible for shaping a significant part of the ethical and educational tradition of the Jewish nation, in a myriad of well know topics. Specifically, Rashi took a special interest in discussing the sin of Lashon Hara.
The Bizarre Purification of the Metzora
Rabbi David Fohrman |
In this week's parsha, we are introduced to a strange set of laws related to the metzora, one afflicted with tzara'at. How do we relate to such laws? In this video, Rabbi Fohrman begins to assemble clues, including the midrashic cause of tzara'at, the connection between a corpse and tzara'at, and echoes of this purification process earlier in the Torah.

If you enjoyed this video, please visit AlephBeta.org to watch more.
Living Within the Community
Rabbi David Fohrman |
Last week, we had connected the laws relating to the purification of a metzora to the laws of the korban Pesach. Why would that be? In this week's video, Rabbi Fohrman puts the pieces together and reminds us that both teach us about 'radical separateness' - and while each of us is an individual, we are also part of a larger unit.

If you enjoyed this video, please visit AlephBeta.org to watch more.
Ramban on Tazria - Ki HaDavar Nes
Rabbi Ezra Bick | 34 minutes
The Torah mentions different types of tzaraat, and Ramban expresses surprise and confusion at the mention of tzaraat of clothing and of houses: he says it does not exist - that there no natural phenomenon of the sort. Is this a completely hypothetical Halacha?
Parshat Tazria Part 2: Different Forms Of Tzara'at Part 1
Shani Taragin | 10 minutes
This podcast continues Parshat Tazria with the first part of the description of the laws of Tzaraat (leprosy).

Courtesy of www.tanachstudy.com
Parshat Tazria Part 3: Different Forms Of Tzara'at Part 2
Shani Taragin | 12 minutes
This podcast continues Parshat Tazria with a description of the various forms of tzaraat and the ways in which they are identified by the Kohen.

Courtesy of www.tanachstudy.com
Parshat Tazria Part 4: Isolation and Insight
Shani Taragin | 23 minutes
What is the nature of tzaraat? Why does this impurity necessitate confinement and isolation outside of the camp? This podcast examines classical commentaries and analyzes the text and the context of the verses in order to extrapolate the lessons that the laws of tzaraat teach us.

Courtesy of www.tanachstudy.com
Parshat Tazria Part 5: Leprosy on Clothing: The Clothing Makes the Man or The Man Makes the Clothing?
Shani Taragin | 17 minutes
This podcast concludes the final section of Parshat Tazria, with a discussion of the affliction of tzaraat on clothing, further proof of its supernatural properties as opposed to merely a physical malady. The placement of this section within its context reflects the inextricable link between the tzaraat of a person and tzaraat of clothing.

Courtesy of www.tanachstudy.com
Parshat Tazria Part 6: Summary: Feeling the Distance
Shani Taragin | 19 minutes
This podcast summarizes Parshat Tazria by examining the broader context of tzaraat, and specifically the tzaraat contracted by Miriam in Sefer Bamidbar, in order to gain a deeper understanding as to the nature of this affliction.

Courtesy of www.tanachstudy.com
Parshat Metzora Part 1: Process Of Purification
Shani Taragin | 31 minutes
This podcast begins Parshat Metzora with the process of purification from tzaraat, and then introduces a new form of tzaraat- that of the house. We discuss the structure of these two parshiot and the deeper meaning behind the affliction.

Courtesy of www.tanachstudy.com
The Laws of the Metzora
Rabbanit Dr. Michal Tikochinsky