Parasha Thoughts
By Rabbi Avraham Moeinzadeh
“This shall be the law of the Metzora on the day of his purification: he shall be brought to the Kohen. The Kohen shall go forth to the outside of the camp…”
Last week in Parashat Tazria we learned the symptoms of a metzora and how one is required to act while he has these symptoms. This week’s parasha discusses the process of purification of a metzora. There is a seeming contradiction in the beginning of the parasha between the pesukim above. At first, the Torah tells us that the metzora shall be brought to the kohen while in the very next pasuk it is written that the kohen shall go forth to the metzora.
In response, “Shem Mishemuel” suggests that although the metzora is forbidden from entering the camp and must remain outside until his leprosy heals, the Torah wants to hint to him a remedy for expediting the process. In order him to get ready for purification, the metzora has to yearn for being tahor and be able to come to the camp of kohanim. Once he truly has such a desire he will receive heavenly aid for his teshuva to be accepted and for his tzaraat to heal.
Sometimes one might feel there is no way for him to actively change his spiritual status and to elevate himself in certain areas. This week’s parasha is telling us that although there may be some truth to this, if there is a real urge to achieve something there will be Siata Dishmaya to make it possible.
Shabbat Shalom.