tzaraat
Understanding the Healing Process for a “Leper”
The healing process for tzaraat (a spiritual malady frequently mistranslated as leprosy) requires a series of sacrifices in the Temple. Two live birds are brought to the priest. Springwater is placed in an earthenware vessel, over which...
Eager for life? Guard Your Tongue
Leviticus goes into great detail describing the disease of tzaraat and the ensuing process of purification. Though usually mistranslated as leprosy, tzaraat is, in fact, a physical affliction resulting from a spiritual malady. According...
Tzaraat of the Home: A Punishment and a Blessing
After dealing with tzaraat, a spiritual affliction similar in presentation to leprosy, that appears on the body and clothing, the Torah goes on to describe the tzaraat that afflicts houses. If the walls became discolored with streaks of...
The Hidden Haftorah: Elisha’s miracle of the loaves and healing leprosy
Every week a portion from the Torah is read aloud in the synagogue, as well as a corresponding portion from the Prophets that is thematically connected to the Torah portion called the haftarah. The portion of the Torah called Tazria...
Tzaraat On Clothing: The First Warning
Leviticus introduces the affliction of tzaraat. Commonly mistranslated as leprosy, tzaraat can afflict the body, a home, or even clothing. Tzaraat only afflicts clothing made of three materials: wool, linen, or leather. Only sheep's wool...
Tzaraat: The Messiah’s Affliction?
The Torah portion of Tazria (Leviticus 12-13) deals with tzaraat, a disease usually mistranslated as leprosy. Tzaraat is a malady that afflicts the body, clothing, and the walls of houses. The afflicted is diagnosed by the priest and...
Weekly Torah Portion: Hold Your Tongue!
This shall be the law of the leprous person for the day of his cleansing. He shall be brought to the priest. (Leviticus 14:2) So begins a detailed description of the rituals involved with purifying someone who has been afflicted with...
Weekly Torah Portion: A Pox on your House!
The following is a taste of our Israel Bible Reading Plan. Follow the weekly portion with summaries, insights and lively conversation. To register, click here. While tzaraat can affect people and garments even in the desert, the Torah...
Weekly Torah Portion: A Spiritual Affliction
The following is a taste of our Israel Bible Reading Plan. Follow the weekly portion with summaries, insights and lively conversation. To register, click here. The Torah tackles the topic of tzaraat, a spiritual affliction typically...
The Portion of Ki Teitzei
This week’s portion covers an array of commandments for a variety of circumstances, from marriage and relationships to caring for the less fortunate. Some of the commandments pertain to man’s relationship with God, but most of them...
