Tazria
Leviticus 12:1-13:59
Précis: Tazria begins with laws concerning the need for ritual purification of women following the birth of children, and the laws of what is usually referred to as “leprosy” of the skin and on garments (although this translation is most certainly erroneous; it refers to an affliction which renders the person, garment, or home ritually impure).
Lev.13:45 “As for the person with a scaly affliction, his clothes shall be rent, his hair shall be left bare, and he shall cover his upper lip; and he shall call out ‘Impure! Impure!” He shall be unclean as long as the disease is upon him. Being unclean, he shall dwell apart; his dwelling shall be outside the camp.”
The text tells us that it is responsibility of the leper to call out a warning to others, probably out a sense that he (or she) should avoid “contaminating” other members of the community, meaning spreading one’s ritual impurity to others by touch. What if the rash is hidden beneath clothes? Would not a requirement to warn others of a condition that they didn’t know violate the individual’s privacy? What the verse tells us is that the individual’s privacy cannot be used as an excuse for ritually “contaminating” the community.
This intersection of privacy and alerting others of one’s medical (or emotional) condition is still with us today. "Leprosy" is no longer a common illness, and we don’t view it as a source of ritual impurity. On the other hand, there is no doubt that many remain uncomfortable in the face of illness or disability.
While our tradition places great emphasis on the wisdom and learning of our elders (and elderly), 21st century society places greater emphasis on vitality, energy, and youthful good looks. We have the tendency to avoid those we see suffering or disabled; instead of reaching out, we all too often look away. Many of those who suffer from some debilitating illness or condition hide their problems out of a fear of stigma, pity, or worse.
When a diagnosis of cancer, AIDS, or any other life-threatening illness is received, the sufferer is often reluctant to share knowledge of the condition with others. While understandable, this action deprives the community of the opportunity to reach out and help. As communal professionals, we at times become aware of individual suffering, and may want to alert others to their condition so that they can step up and help. On the other hand, the individual may request a pledge of silence. It’s a difficult balance to achieve, but one which deserves care and understanding by all.
