Tazria 5784-2024
“Some Important Lessons to Learn from the Ancient Biblical Malady, Tzara’at”
(updated and revised from Tazria 5765-2005
The laws of the Biblical disease, Tzara’at, are complex, and on the surface, seem rather primitive. By examining the nuances of the text in parashat Tazria we may learn many profound lessons about judging others favorably, healing ourselves and coming closer to G-d.
0 Comments9 Minutes
Tazria 5782-2022
According to Jewish tradition, the primary cause of the biblical affliction Tzaraat, is L’shon haRah, speaking evil or slanderously of others. In ancient times, when one would speak evil of another person, a rash or infection would appear on the possessions or on the body of the perpetrator. On the surface, the assertion that one can develop a hideous skin rash from speaking evil seems quite preposterous. Yet, there are many precedents in life, science, and medicine, confirming such occurrences.
0 Comments8 Minutes
Tazria 5779-2019
“Death and Life are in the 'Hands' of the Tongue!”
(Revised and updated from Tazria 5760-2000)
We tend to dismiss the power of the tongue, and yet it is so powerful, that it often has the ability to give life and take life.
0 Comments9 Minutes
Tazria 5776-2016
“Heavenly Reminders”
It is from parashat Tazria that we learn that we dare not disregard even a simple Bohak, a non-defiling discoloration of the skin. G-d continuously sends us messages. We must keep our eyes and ears open constantly to recognize them, hear them, and properly respond to them
0 Comments9 Minutes
Tazria 5774-2014
“The Jewish Attitude Toward Healing and Medicine”
Although Jews have always played a prominent role in medicine and in the development of healing, the Bible’s attitude toward medicine and healing appears to be somewhat restrained, perhaps even ambivalent.
0 Comments9 Minutes
Tazria 5771-2011
“Childbirth and Ritual Impurity”
In face of the great challenges that young mothers face, every birth brings trauma, fear, lack of confidence. Scripture states that when a woman bears a child, she shall be impure. But when that period ends, there is re-entry and welcoming, in the fullest sense.
0 Comments8 Minutes
Tazria 5768-2008
"The Odd Ritual Practices of the Metzorah!"
In parashat Tazria we are taught that the metzorah, the person who is afflicted with the disease tzah'ra'aht for speaking lashon hara, must rend his clothes. He is also forbidden to cut his hair, must cover his mouth and head, and needs to call out publicly: "Contaminated, contaminated!" In addition, he is isolated from the rest of the community. What are the meanings of these rituals and behaviors, and what impact are they expected to have on gossipers and slanderers?
0 Comments6 Minutes
Tazria 5765-2005
"Some Important Lessons That We Learn from the Ancient Biblical Tzara'at"
The laws of the Biblical disease, tzara'at, are complex, and seem rather irrelevant. By surveying the nuances of the text in parashat Tazria we learn many profound messages about judging others favorably, healing ourselves and coming closer to G-d.
0 Comments8 Minutes
Tazria 5763-2003
"Tzaraat--The Spiritual Dermatological Disease"
According to Jewish tradition, the primary cause of the affliction tzaraat is lashon hara, speaking evil or slanderously of others. In ancient times, when one would speak evil of another person, a rash or infection would appear on the belongings or on the body of the perpetrator. On the surface, the assertion that one can develop a hideous skin rash from speaking evil seems quite preposterous, yet, there are many precedents for such things in life, science, and medicine.
0 Comments7 Minutes
Tazria 5760-2000
"Death and Life are In the 'Hands' of the Tongue!"
We tend to dismiss the power of the tongue, and yet it has the ability to give life and to take life.
0 Comments8 Minutes