Parsha Tazria-Metzora: Leviticus 12:1-15:33

Parsha Tazria-Metzora:

Day 1 (Part 1): Leviticus 12

The name of the first part of this double parsha is Tazria. Tazria means “bringing forth seed”, which is commonly translated as “childbirth.”

The Parsha’s name gives meaning to the “seed” we have learned about thus far in our studies. In our last parsha study, we discussed how a seed could become unclean if the carcass of a dead animal fell on it and water was then placed on the seed. We mentioned that this scenario could be understood as a picture of the lost ten tribes of Judah—or the Jews who may not know they are Jews and have found themselves in false religious circles.

We mentioned that if a Lost Jew is in such a situation, Hashem has mercy. But, once He puts His water (ie: Torah teachings) on the seed, that soul becomes unclean if he or she chooses to…

Parsha Tazria-Metzora: Day # 2 (Leviticus 13:24-39)

As with the last portion of the Parsha, this section discusses additional skin afflictions and the accompanying examinations that are commanded to determine if a person has a disease or if the person is clean and is affected with a normal (not due to disease) skin abnormality.

(Leviticus 13:24-28) Skin Afflictions: Burns

This section, like the section on scars, provides the examination that must take place after a person has healed from a burn.

If you have ever suffered a burn, you may well know that a new patch of skin will form that does not look like the rest of your skin.

If your burn was bad enough, you may even receive a skin graft. This graft will certainly be different than your normal skin. One of the main differences in appearance will be the color of the burned area.

Parsha Tazria-Metzora: Day # 3 (Leviticus 13:40-54)

This section of our weekly double Parsha discusses various types of baldness: both those that are normal and those that become abnormal.

We also begin to learn about what to do when cloth or skins (hides) become affected by various molds, mildews, and spreading afflictions.

(Leviticus 13:40-44) Normal Baldness

After discussing the various scaly afflictions that arise on the head and beard, Moshe Rabbeinu discusses baldness and additional head afflictions.

Moshe Rabbeinu begins by telling us of the  “normal” types of baldness. If a male is affected by either of these types of baldness, he remains clean. These include:

Parsha Tazria-Metzora: Day 4

(Leviticus 13:55-14:20)

(Leviticus 13:55-58)

Moshe Rabbeinu declares that if after washing in water and remaining in isolation for the second seven day separation period the affection in the cloth:

1. Has not changed and has not spread: the cloth is unclean. Even though the red and green affliction did not spread, there is also no healing nor fading. Since the affected area did not improve, the entire cloth must be consumed by fire. The diagnosis is “Fret”

2. The affection faded (and did not spread—assumed): the cloth is pronounced clean .