Unveiling the Mysteries of Tzara'at: A Jewish Perspective
In the Torah, the kohen diagnoses but doesn't heal the afflicted. Instead, healing comes through a spiritual process of introspection and prayer.
- יהוסף יעבץ
- פורסם כ"ח אדר ב' התשפ"ד
Illustration: shutterstock #VALUE!
The portion of Tazria deals, among other things, with the laws concerning the metzora (one afflicted with tzara'at). Tzara'at is seen as one of the most daunting ailments, and the Torah extensively discusses its laws and how to deal with it. But our sages explain why it was so important for Hashem to teach us this and what is unique about the Jewish approach to tzara'at.
In other cultures, whether ancient idol worshippers or Christians, ailments were often directed to a religious figure, or witch doctor, who would "heal" them through various rituals and actions. This was one of the roles of a pagan priest.
But in the Torah, the kohen does nothing to heal the metzora! He diagnoses, inspects, quarantines, declares impure or pure, but does not lift a finger to heal. The Torah offers no advice or method for healing tzara'at. The kohen has no idea how to heal. When Aaron sees Miriam afflicted with tzara'at, he doesn't look for some magic potion... he prays to Hashem. The sick person is entirely in the hands of Hashem. When someone is ill in Judaism, the rabbi or sage can pray for them, bless them, that Hashem may heal them.
The Torah forbids cutting off the tzara'at blemish, as doing so denies who brought the ailment. The person thinks that by removing the blemish with a knife, they will heal themselves, but Hashem can easily send another blemish to the other hand... What the Torah teaches is that when there is a blemish, one must introspect and repent. Tzara'at appears because of lashon hara (evil speech) - isolate yourself far from settled areas and correct yourself. This is the path to healing, not through pagan rituals.
Therefore, our sages permitted the metzora to enter a synagogue in a way that doesn't defile others, because tzara'at is not frightening, nor is it contagious. It is a reminder from above, and that's how it should be perceived. Our sages saw these blemishes as "chastisements of love": if a person received tzara'at and they haven't sinned, it is a heavenly gift, meant to purify them.
A Jew does not fear tzara'at, but the One who sent it!
