Parshas Metzora 5765

After discussing the nature of the tzara'as disease and its contamination, the Torah now describes the purification process. This involves a few stage, beginning after the tzara'as sores are healed.

As a first step, the kohen prepared two birds, a piece of cedar wood, a piece of crimson-dyed wool, and a clump of a low-growing plant. One of the birds was slaughtered, and its blood mixed with running water and the other materials. This mixture would be sprinkled on the contaminated person. The second bird would then be set free. The person then immersed in a mikveh, the ritual bath; counted seven days; shaved off his hair; and then immersed again. The metzora then brought two sacrifices to complete the purification and atonement process.

Each of these materials symbolizes one facet of the person's sin and atonement. The chirping birds serve as a reminder of the idle chatter that tends to lead to slander and gossip, the main cause of tzara'as. The cedar wood, a very tall tree, is a reminder of the speaker's arrogance, another common factor leading to speaking negatively about others. The red wool, which is produced from a worm's blood, and the lowly plant too, both serve as a reminder to be humble.

The Torah also introduces another type of tzara'as, one that affects the stones of one's house. This condition, if it spreads, could result in having to tear down the entire house. This type of tzara'as, too, is meant as a way of dealing with the person who misuses his tongue.

Rashi points out that when a person would first sin, G-d would send the tzara'as to the stones of his house, merely causing an inconvenience, and perhaps a financial loss. Sometimes, this inconvenience would be a blessing in disguise, for when tearing down the house they would often find treasures hidden there by the original Canaanite owners. If this did not succeed in improving the person's behavior, G-d would cause his clothing to become affected with tzara'as. If this too did not succeed, the person's own body would be affected, until he would learn to be more careful with his speech.

The laws of tzara'as are meant to impress upon us the severity of lashon hara, and the importance of using one's tongue properly and constructively.

"This shall be the law of the metzora..." (Lev. 14:2)

Rav Itzele Peterberger and Rav Chaim Berlin became very close friends during their later years in Jerusalem. They made a pact that the one who would pass from the world first, would reveal his Heavenly judgment to the other.

Shortly after Rav Itzele passed away (I believe), he appeared to Rav Berlin in a dream and said, "In Heaven they did not want me to reveal anything about the judgment. However, since I was always meticulous about keeping my word they allowed me to tell you that the harshest judgment is reserved for those who speak lashon hara (negative gossip)."

Did You Know...

The matza used for the Seder must be "guarded" and prepared for the express purpose of the mitzvah of matza. This is called "Shmura matza".

Preferably, it should be guarded from the time of the harvesting, but at least from the time of the grinding. Some authorities believe that the matza must be made by hand in order for the all steps to have the proper intent. Others, however, believe that even machine-made matza is sufficient, as long as the supervisors push the buttons on the machine and oversee the production with the proper intent.

Although Shemura matza is necessary only for the Seder, there is a special mitzvah to eat it throughout Pesach.