I hope you can enjoy this little article in place of an episode of The Late Parsha Show.
There’s so much to be said about both Tazria and Metzora.
I mean, It’s Torah, so, of course.
There’s always alot, actually an infinite amount- which is really not an amount because infinity defies a limited amount😅- to be said about every parsha.
Torah, the wisdom of G-d; is literally endless.
Well, qualitatively at least.
Anyway, since ,Tzaraas” (an ancient, non-medical, epidermis discoloration disease) is a focal point over these 2 parshios let’s have a look:
There are so many ways to go about the concept of Tzaaras.
From the bit I’ve learned, the Rebbe seems to favor the explanations that show tzaraas in the most positive light, as A direct blessing and an opportunity for even more from Hashem.
Last year I actually made a video explaining this, but I am not releasing it as after watching the final edit, I felt I didn’t do it justice.
(Now whether or not chassidus needs my ego getting in the way of it’s dissemination is something for a farbrengen…)
But I’d really like to share the practical part so, here goes…
Let me just be frank.
Actually, I’ll just be Eli.
Okay I hope that was funny but if not, let’s just cringe for a moment and now move back to the point:
One of the main causes (perhaps the main cause) of this ancient blemish of the epidermis is the misuse of our gift of speech.
Now, yes, “ancient” is the word for this type of malady but unfortunately not for its causes.
If I may say, -and if you’re reading this, I guess I may-
The whole “Rechilus” (gossip), “Lashon Hara” (speaking badly about someone), and “Motzi Shem Ra” (speaking negative untruths about someone) scene is definitely one that many of us can really clean up in our own individual lives.
More needn’t be said.
Perhaps because of the severity of this issue we can go on, but I absolutely won’t cuz, who am I to preach?
So, I’m just sayin.
We can shape up.
Lchaim.
—
I don’t want to sound preachy and I probably already do, so allow me just to share a pertinent excerpt from the wonderful resource that is chabad.org:
“The laws of lashon hara are too lengthy to include in one article. In fact, Rabbi Israel Meir Hakohen of Radin wrote an entire book about these laws. The book is called Chafetz Chaim (which caused the author to be known as the “Chafetz Chaim”) too. The name is inspired by the verse in Psalms, “Whoever of you desires life (chafetz chaim) . . . guard your tongue from evil . . .”
Nevertheless, here is a brief overview of some of the laws, mostly gleaned from Chafetz Chaim:
Lashon hara literally means “bad talk.” This means that it is forbidden to speak negatively about someone else, even if it’s true.
It is also forbidden to repeat anything about another, even if it is not a negative thing. This is called rechilut.
It is also forbidden to listen to lashon hara. One should either reprimand the speaker, or, if that is not possible, one should extricate oneself from that situation.
Even if one has already heard the lashon hara, it is forbidden to believe it. On the contrary, one should always judge one’s fellow favorably.
If one has already heard the Lashon Hara, it is forbidden to believe it. Nevertheless, one may suspect that the lashon hara is true, and take the necessary precautions to protect oneself.
It is forbidden to even make a motion that is derogatory towards someone.
One may not even retell a negative event without using names, if the listeners might be able to figure out who is being spoken of.
In certain circumstances, such as to protect someone from harm, it is permissible or even obligatory to share negative information. As there are many details to this law, one should consult a competent rabbi to learn what may be shared in any particular situation.”
(Excerpt end. Emphasis mine.)
I will tell you humbly -but at the same time proudly- that personally, I have cracked down very hard on myself in this area and yeah it really ain’t easy to catch the tongue, but it’s so very worth it. (As I’m writing this, I’m tempted to type up the story (a midrash I believe) regarding getting lions milk, and the tongue being the most powerful part of the body. But you can just look it up. 😉
You know, to think for a bit before answering even a well intended question that might lead to talk about someone else is actually a most wonderful mitzva.
In the chapter of Avos we learn this week, that Rabban Gamliel’s son Shimon extolls the virtue of silence. And in general. the high praise that we find all over the words of our sages for silence is extraordinary.
We must remember that our power of speech really is a big deal. A most valuable asset and serious liability. This actually makes perfect sense because well, the entire universe, from the orb of sun to the grain of sand on earth, from the majestic whale in the ocean to the ant you didn’t notice you almost stepped on a moment ago, it was all made and is at every moment made into being by means of G-d’s words. G-d speaks -so to speak- (oh the irony!) reality into existence. So what we know and feel as existence is only reality because G-d says so.
Oh boy, I really gotta stop writing but here’s one last related point:
We must realize and/or constantly remember that G-d is good. The epitome -actually- of goodness. Anything we may be experiencing that doesn’t seem good is really, really, good.
It’s being brought into existence right now by The Epitome of Good.
Bottom line: Get MoshiachMode on.
Increase in Limud haTorah, Ahavas Yisroel, and Simcha -which breaks boundaries- and it will break down any and every last concealment of Hashem’s goodness and show us the undiscovered treasures that we may have never seen within it all.
(Much like the home with Tzaaras and the treasure within … 😉
Eli.
Refua shlaima vkroiva!