The Leper

Usually, the Parshiot of Tazria and Metzora, are read together. Although Tazria begins with the subject of a woman giving birth, the main subject is the disease of leprosy.

Tazria describes the nature of this spiritual illness. It can appear on one’s body, on his clothing, or even on the walls of his house.

The Kohein is very much involved in the diagnosis, the decision to quarantine, and determining when the individual is cured of צרעת, leprosy.

Parshat Metzora goes into the details of the purification process. There is an additional seven days of quarantine once the leper is declared cured. He is required to shave all the hair of his body, in addition to offering special sacrifices.

Two birds are taken as offerings. One is slaughtered and one is dipped in blood and set free. The birds symbolize unnecessary chattering, as the primary cause of leprosy, is Lashon Hara, evil speech.

Of the three types of impurity, requiring quarantine and separation from the camp, leprosy is the most severe. The leper had to remain outside all three camps, while the Zav, one suffering from gonorrhea, had to remain outside two camps. The one who was in contact with the dead, had to remain outside of one camp.

The case of צרעת, leprosy, is a very mysterious disease but was serious enough to have two Parshiot deal with it.