Metzorah: Words that Wound, Words that Heal
In this week's Torah portion, the discussion delves into the purification process of a metzora, someone afflicted with leprosy. A noteworthy aspect of a metzora's journey is the exclusive role of a kohen in declaring one's impurity and subsequently guiding them through the quarantine and purification process to regain purity. While the common perception is that a kohen's duties revolve around temple service and sacrifices, it's intriguing that only a kohen, not even a Levite, is involved in the metzora process. To grasp this peculiarity, let's first lay the groundwork by revisiting the concept of a metzora and tzoras.
The Torah introduces the metzora in the preceding parsha, describing it as "when a person has a discoloration of the flesh," employing the term "adam." The Zohar elaborates on the significance of categorizing a person as "adam," placing them at the apex of human description among adam, ish, gever, and enosh. According to teachings attributed to Admur Hazaken, tzorat afflicts only those who have attained the spiritual stature of a Tzadik, making it a rarity in later generations. Yet, paradoxically, this righteous individual grappling with tzorat is entangled in the external manifestation of "lashon hara" or malicious gossip, a sin deemed more severe than others, including those punishable by death.
The resolution to this apparent contradiction lies in understanding how tzorat manifests. The Rambam elucidates how it serves as a cautionary sign for those careless with their speech. However, while lacking malicious intent, this form of lashon hara still possesses the potency to tarnish even the most virtuous. Hence, tzorat progresses from affecting one's home to garments and eventually, the body, symbolizing a spiritual descent precipitated by negligence in speech. Consequently, only a kohen, symbolizing sublime kindness, possesses the authority to diagnose and heal tzorat, tapping into the power of love to rectify imperfections.
This narrative underscores the efficacy of approaching challenges with kindness and love rather than sheer strength and severity. The Mishna in Avot echoes this sentiment, urging individuals to emulate the disciples of Aaron, who epitomized a commitment to peace, love, and drawing others closer to the Torah. It's a call not just to kohanim but to all Jews, emphasizing the collective responsibility to embody kindness and compassion in navigating life's complexities.
The discourse on tzorat elucidates a profound interplay between spiritual affliction and redemption, mirrored in the dichotomy between kindness and severity. Just as Aaron, through his embodiment of kindness, brings healing to the afflicted, so too can we, by embracing love and compassion, uplift ourselves and others from spiritual maladies. Thus, the metzora's journey becomes a poignant allegory for the transformative power of kindness in the face of adversity, echoing the eternal wisdom encapsulated in the Torah's timeless teachings.
Adapted from the talks of the Lubavitcher Rebbe
Likutei Simchos Volume 22 and Torah United: Teachings on the Weekly Parashah