The Leper

This Shabbat we have a double Parsha of תזריע-מצורע as well as ראש חודש. Parshat תזריע deals with a description of the disease called צרעת, leprosy. Parshat מצורע discusses the remedy for this disease. The מצורע is referring to one who is deep in sin. The name מצורע is an acronym for מוציא רע, that he pulls out evil. The Torah describes the leprous blemish as עמוק מן העור, very deep in the skin. This implies that we are not dealing with a dermatological problem, but a physical proof of how far off the path, this individual has gone. The Gemara in ערכין says that seven different sins can cause צרעת. Aside from Lashon Hara and acting improperly towards one’s fellow man, a false oath, theft, and immorality, all can cause this disease. Once diagnosed, the leper is put in lockdown for as long as it takes for him to be cured. He is involved with the Kohein who will not only give a diagnosis, but he will also help rehabilitate the מצורע, and help him do Teshuva for his bad behavior. Leprosy is very unusual in that it is clearly a physical and spiritual illness.