May 3, 2025 · כ"ח ניסן תשפ״ה
Parshat Tazria-Metzora · תזריע מצורע
A PEEK AT THE PARSHA This week we read 2 parshiot: Tazria and Metzora. They talk about the purification process for a woman after she gives birth, which is different if she has a boy or a girl. On the eighth day after the birth of a boy, he has a Brit Milah. After this time, the woman brings a korban, goes to the Mikvah, and becomes Tahor again. Next, we learn about Tzara'at, a special type of spiritual impurity. Tzara'at was a punishment for certain sins, like Lashon Hara. Tzara'at could appear on a person’s skin, clothing, or even in their house. If someone notices a strange rash, bruise, or discoloration on their skin, they must go to the
ONE BIG IDEA A person who becomes impure from Tzara’at, a skin condition often caused by speaking Lashon Hara, is sent away from the rest of the community. Why? Because Lashon Hara can cause arguments, hurt feelings, and even break relationships. Lashon Hara separates people. By removing the Metzora, the Torah shows us the serious consequences of Lashon Hara. The cure for Lashon Hara is not just about physical healing but about repairing the harm we cause with our words. We should think carefully about how we speak and try to use our words to bring people closer together, not push them apart.
Kohen. The Kohen will examine it and decide whether or not it is Tzara'at. If it is, the person must leave their home and live alone for seven days. During this time, they must announce that they are Tamei to anyone who comes near. If a person sees a red or green spot on their clothes, they must take it to the Kohen. If the Kohen says it is Tzara'at, the clothing is burned. If not, the clothes are washed and become Tahor again. Homes can get Tzara'at too! If the walls or stones in a house become discolored, turning red or green, the Kohen must check it. If it’s Tzara'at, the house must be left empty for up to three weeks. After that, the discolored stones either go back to normal, are removed, or the house might have to be torn down. The process to purify the house is very similar to the process for a person with Tzara'at. Finally, the Torah explains other ways a person can become impure and how they can become pure again. For most of these cases, a person must go to a Mikvah to purify themselves. Sometimes, they also need to bring a sacrifice to complete the purification process.
TIMES - זמנים Candle-lighting: 7:34pm Havdalah: 8:34pm allah: 5:25pm