Parashat Shemini

Parasha Thoughts

By Rabbi Aharon Seleh

It is already well known that one of the main reasons for the Corona virus is to rectify the sin of loshon hora. Corona in Hebrew קןראנא has the same numerical value to נחש=358.- the snake in Gan Eden with אדם הראשון, who was known for speaking loshon hora.

Someone who spoke loshon hora used to get leprosy- צרעת. He is called a מצורע. He had to quarantine himself for a week. If he didn’t repent, he had to quarantine for a second week! When he walked out he had to call out “I’m טמא” so people wouldn’t come within 4 Amos of him. 4 Amos is equivalent to 6 feet, which is the required social distancing nowadays! Furthermore he had to cover his mouth! The חזקוני explains, “So that his dangerous breath shouldn’t harm others!” The similarities between a מצורע and the Corona are so awe inspiring.

The מפרשים explain that the fact that he is quarantined is very dear to Hashem because it gives the מצורע time to reflect on his life and see what he’s doing wrong. Last but not least קןראנא=משיח=358. Hashem wants to bring משיח, but we must improve from this sin. Learn the laws; any negative word about another is equal to a כזית of pork!