Lev. 12:1-15:33
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 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.
