Metzorah and Covid

Tazria-Metzorah

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

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 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.

Keep it kosher

Shmini

Lev. 9:1-11:47

Précis:  On the final day of the week-long ordination ceremony, Moses instructs Aaron and his sons on the proper rituals. Aaron makes his offering. Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu offer “strange fire” before God. They are slain. Moses tells Aaron that he must not engage in normal mourning rituals. The Priests are prohibited from drinking alcohol while they are engaged in their sacred duties.  Next, God tells Moses and Aaron to instruct the people about the animals they are permitted to eat (part of the laws of kashrut). A general warning to guard against defilement and to be concerned about ritual purity is given.

Lev.11:1-3 “And Adonai spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying to them: ‘Speak to the children of Israel, saying, ‘These are the living things which you may eat among all the beasts that are on the earth.’”

            This is, of course, one of the proof texts for kashrut. Interestingly, seafood is described by characteristics (fins and scales, no shell fish), and meat animals by the split hoof and cud chewing. Birds are listed by name (giving rise to the annual question of whether turkey, not mentioned, is really kosher).

            It’s appropriate to read about this following Passover, when many who are not particularly observant about food make a special effort. Some go to extremes. [I recently read about a group of Orthodox rabbis who visit Arizona wheat farms in the lead up to Passover, to make sure that the wheat has not been rained upon, and therefore there could be no doubt as to its use for matzah!]

            I’ve personally gone back and forth during my life in deciding “how kosher” I need to be, and I am certain that many readers of this weekly message have as well. In this light (and in a spirit of good humor), I offer this brief vignette (which does not appear in the Talmud!):

            In Exodus 34:26, God tells Moses, “you shall not boil a kid in its mother's milk.” Moses responds, “Oh, then I guess we shouldn’t eat meat with milk.” Again, God tells Moses, “you shall not boil a kid in its mother's milk.” “Oh,” says Moses, “then you should have different dishes for meat and dairy!” Again, God tells Moses, “you shall not boil a kid in its mother's milk.” Moses, getting excited, says “So we should wait three hours after eating meat before we eat dairy, and we should use different plates and utensils for Passover!”

            God responds, “OK Moses, have it your way.”