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

Parsha Tazria-Metzora Day 1 (Part 2): Leviticus 13:1-23 (Study Notes)

(Leviticus 13) Various forms of Skin Affections

After discussing the state of a woman after giving birth, we are immediately told about various skin affections and infections that can grow in wounds. While we can skip past the order of informmation given, we must understand that in Hashem’s wisdom, the order of information matters.

When we pause and consider why the discussions and commands about leprosy are given after the information about the birth of seeds, it follows the pattern in creation. Havah is the mother of all living. Her seeds, however, were born after her being was changed due to sin. This changed body is capable of developing diseases, illnesses, and death.

Thus, by pondering the order of information given here in Leviticus, we can understand better the isolation period of a woman after birth for the reasons stated…

Parsha Tazria-Metzora:

Day 1 (Part 1): Leviticus 12

(Study Notes)

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 Hashem puts His water (ie: Torah teachings) on the seed, that soul becomes unclean if he or she…

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

(Study Notes)

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.

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

(Study Notes)

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.