Friday, April 24, 2020

Metzorah and Covid



Lev. 12:1-15:33

PrĂ©cis: 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 appears to refer to an affliction which renders the person, garment, or home ritually impure).
            Metzorah discusses laws for the purification of “lepers” with sacrifice and water. It also discusses growths on walls of a house which cause ritual impurity. The parasha concludes with a discussion of bodily secretions which are another source of ritual impurity

                The Priests play a major role in these parshiot: they diagnose the illness and impose the quarantine of the “impure” one until a “cure” has been affected. The parallels with the current Covid-19 pandemic are compelling, and it is interesting to note how poorly the United States is doing in comparison to the Biblical mandates.
            First, the text requires “testing” of all. Anyone with symptoms appear before the Priest and undergo careful, individual examination. Next, those “diagnosed” are identified so all can see (and avoid) them. Finally, they are placed in quarantine until a cure has been effectuated.
            Of course, “metzorah” is not Covid-19, and appears not to have been deadly. Nevertheless, testing, social distancing, and cures are needed.
            Tradition says that “metzorah” is a shortening of the phrase “motzi shem ra” meaning that its cause is attributed to gossip in general and slander in particular. At a time when tweets and  protesters condemn many engaged in the fight against Covid-19, perhaps the tweeters should be advised to study these parshiot.