Sedra of the week: Tazria-Metzora

According to the NHS, 95 percent of people aged 11 to 30 will experience acne caused by a hormonal imbalance. But knowing the cause of this condition doesn’t prevent its occurrence or help those affected feel any less self-conscious.

By contrast, Tazria-Metzora goes to great lengths to define the outbreak and purification process for tzara’at – non-contagious skin lesions. Still, a metzora – the person affected – was considered the highest level of ritual impurity.

After the condition was confirmed by a Kohen, the affected person tore their clothing (a mourning ritual) and warned others to keep away. They left camp to dwell alone for periods of seven days, until the ailment was reassessed. 

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After the tzara’at cleared, the purification process involved two birds; one was slaughtered and its blood was mixed in water. Before being set free, the second living bird, along with a piece of cedar wood, scarlet thread and hyssop, was dipped in the crimson-colored water and sprinkled on the metzora. Later, a separate blood ritual was performed on the right earlobe, thumb and big toe.

Metaphorically, metzora birds are linked to the tenth plague, when the Egyptian first born were killed while the Israelites, who painted their doorposts with blood, were freed.

We learnt this past year that being forced to self-isolate involves significant vulnerability. As humans, we try to explain things, to give an illusion of control. One lesson from Metzora is that what lies below the surface of our skin is what matters most, as well as there being moments beyond comprehension. 

•  Rabbi Jeff Berger can be reached at rabbijefflondon@gmail.com