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Vol 27.13 - Tazria 2                                                    Spanish French Audio  Video

Hebrew Text:

Page 88   Page89   Page90   Page91

Summary:
 

The reason that Tuma'ah and Tahara of a leper is specifically dependent on the Kohen (Mishneh Negaim beginning of Perek 3)  

Lesson: Judgment with love. The lesson from this applies to one who encounters a Jew and sees in him something lowly and unbecoming, G-d forbid, seeing him as an outcast, not worthy to be among the encampment of the Jewish people, G-d forbid. In that situation, the Torah states that prior to rendering this ruling upon another Jew, even a great sage must first make a proper self-assessment of where is he holding in kindness and love of a fellow Jew

Synopsis:

A Kohen's Proclamation - A Lesson in Love of a Fellow Jew
Much of the Torah portions of Tazria and Metzora deals with the laws of nega'im, a condition of impurity (not found nowadays) affecting people, their clothing and their dwellings, that came as a result of an individual's spiritual failings.
With regard to nega'im, there are two general principles:1
In order to establish whether a nega was of a ritually pure or impure variety, it had to viewed by a scholar - not necessarily a kohen - who was well-versed in the area of nega'im.
The actual purity or impurity resulted from the proclamation of "pure" or "impure" by a kohen.
So vital was the kohen's proclamation that, when the kohen were incapable of discerning the state of the nega, "a scholar would view it and say to the kohen, 'proclaim it impure' and the kohen would proclaim 'impure'...."2
Since an unlearned kohen had to rely on a scholar, why was the kohen's proclamation so vital? Moreover, why specifically, regarding this impurity, does the Torah tell us that "impurity and purity are dependent upon the kohen"?3
Understandably, the most novel aspect of the fact that "impurity and purity are dependent upon the kohen" lay not so much in the kohen's ability to declare "pure," but in his ability to proclaim "impure," for the declaration of "pure" could only follow a declaration of "impure."
The question therefore becomes even greater: Were the novel aspect the declaration of purity, the need for a kohen would be understandable - only a kohen (a pure and holy individual in his own right) had the ability to bring forth and declare purity in others. But why could only a kohen declare a person "impure"?
The impurity of nega'im carried with it a stringency not found with any other type of impurity - the afflicted individual was banished from all places of Jewish habitation, and was to "sit alone; outside the camp shall be his dwelling."4 The impact of this impurity was thus so harsh that the person was, as it were, severed from any connection with the Jewish nation.
The Torah therefore tells us that only a kohen could utter such a declaration. For the purpose of a kohen5 is that of "lovingly blessing the Jewish people,"6 and it is specifically upon the kohen - a "goodly individual"7 who blesses Jewish people - that the Torah relies to make such a serious decision.
It goes without saying that the kohen's ruling had to be based strictly upon the Torah, for which reason the nega had to first be viewed by a scholar well versed in the laws of nega'im. The actual adjudication, however, had to be carried out by a kohen, for it was he who felt the extreme harshness of such a banishment most strongly.
The kohen's inherent kindness and sensitivity would lead him to spare no effort in learning from the scholar whether it was possible to address the matter in a lenient fashion.
If, after such a thorough investigation, the kohen declares "impure," we can rest assured that the Torah law has been properly applied. Conversely, we can be assured that the kohen would spare no effort to see to the person's subsequent purification.
There is a vital lesson here. If we note glaring faults in a fellow Jew, we must remember that even a great scholar had to scrupulously probe his own love for his fellow Jews before he dared suggest that a person be placed outside the Jewish encampment.
Should we find that we are even somewhat lacking in this love, we have no right to make such a declaration about a fellow Jew, for doing so is merely a reflection of our own faulty character. As such, it is the antithesis of the Torah's desire that we love every Jew unconditionally.
Based on Likkutei Sichos, Vol. XXVII, pp. 88-91
      
Notes:

From  http://www.jewishcontent.org/weekly/w15/27.htm
1.See Rambam, Hilchos Tumas Tzora'as 9:1-3.
2.Rambam, ibid., Halachah 2, quoting Negaim 3:1 and Toras Kohanim, Vayikra 13:2.
3.Ibid.
4.Vayikra 13:46.
5.See Devarim 10:8 and commentary of Rashi, ibid.
6.Text of blessing preceding Birchas Kohanim (Sotah 39a).
7.See Devarim 33:8.


Translation:

1. Concerning the impurity of “nega’im– lesions of miraculous origin,” there are two general rules:

1) The examination of the nega(establishing whether or not the negais impure) must be done by a sage, one who “was taught the relevant laws by his master and is adept in all nega’im and their classifications, regarding all nega’im afflicting people, as well as nega’im that afflict garments and houses” (Rambam Laws of the Impurity of Tzaraas 9:2, end). The sage does not have to be a Kohen. Rather, “all sages are acceptable to examine nega’im.”

2) “The actual status of impurity and purity is dependent upon a Kohen” (ibid, beg.). That is, even after the sage has advised that he has detected an impure nega, the one afflicted is not rendered impure until the Kohen states “(you are) impure.” (Similarly with regard to the purification of the one afflicted – even after the person (or garment) is healed of the nega, he remains “in a state of impurity until the Kohen tells him ‘you are pure.’” (Ibid 9:3, end))

The Kohen’s articulation of the diagnosis is a necessary condition (in establishing the impurity or purity of the one afflicted). In fact, even a “Kohen who does not know how to identify nega’im (and “even if the Kohen is a minor or is mentally deficient”) may “rely upon the words of the sage” and pronounce the person pure or impure on the sage’s advice. “The sage examines the nega and tells him ‘say that it is impure,’ and the Kohen says ‘impure’; or the sage tells him ‘say that it is pure,’ etc.”(ibid 9:2)

The following two points, however, require explanation:

1) Since the Kohen “relies upon the words of the sage,” why is the Kohen’s articulation necessary?

2) What is unique about tzaraas that the Torah states specifically about this formof impurity the rule that “impurity and purity is dependent upon the articulation of a Kohen”?

True, this law is classified as “g’zeiras ha’kasuv – a Scriptural decree that is not subject to logic,” however, it is well known that Rambam writes that even regarding “chukei Torah” which “are decrees,” it is proper for one to contemplate them and provide a rationale for them to whatever extent possible.” This is especially the case with regard to finding underlying reasons that lend themselves to “correcting one’s character” (as Rambam writes, “the majority of the laws of the Torah are strictly advice…to correct one’s character and straighten out one’s behavior”), or as the verse states, “G-d has commanded…all these laws (chukim) to fear G-d,” laws that teach a lesson on the fear of Heaven.

2. Clearly, the main innovation of the Torah with regard to the rule that “impurity and purity is dependent upon a Kohen” is expressed (not regarding the purification process of the metzora, the one afflicted with tzaraas, but primarily) in his rendering another Jew impure:

The purification of the metzora comes about only after his impurity had previously been established. Thus, it is logical to say that the Kohen’s capacity to purify the metzora through speech is a result of having initially diagnosed the impurity of the lesion. (That is, since the impurity is only established through the articulation of the Kohen, therefore, also the purification (from the tuma) is established specifically through the articulation of the Kohen.)

The following, however, remains elusive: It goes well if the main point of the Torah regarding diagnosing tzaraas would be in connection to the process of purification, for then we would understand why it is dependent upon a Kohen, insofar as the Kahuna, the Priesthood, is connected with the state of purity (as reflected by the rule that a Kohen may not defile himself). Indeed, it is for this reason that Kohanim are the one who impart purity to other Jews.

However, why is specifically a Kohen needed in order for a Jew to be deemed impure?!

3. One of the explanations of the matter:

There is a unique stringency applicable to the impurity of tzaraas. Namely, that “he shall dwell in solitude; outside of the encampment shall be his dwelling” (Tazria 13:46) – he is cast out of the three encampments (Rashi on the verse). And there, outside the camp, he must dwell in “solitude,” so that he does not enjoy the company of other impure individuals (Rashi). (Indeed, he is even not to have contact with other metzora’im ––Likkutei Sichos Vol. 22, pg. 74 and in footnote 49.)

In this sense, the spiritual significance of the impurity of tzaraas is that it is such a severe defilement that the afflicted individual is wholly evicted from the encampment of sanctity i.e., from among the Jewish people. It is as though he were an outcast from the holy nation, may G-d have mercy on us.

In response to this, the Torah says: Who is it that can rule about another Jew that he is, in effect, cast out, G-d forbid, from the encampment of holiness? Only a Kohen.

A Kohen is an expression of the concept “to bless the Jewish nation with love.” A Kohen is “a man of kindness” (Bracha 33:8), one who blesses Jews – and with love. (Indeed, it is an essential condition that pertains to Birkas Kohanim, the Priestly Blessing, that it must be done with love. (See Shulchan Aruch HaRavOrach Chayim 128:19). In fact, it is actually a danger for a Kohen lacking in love of his fellow to bestow the Priestly blessing.) Thus, the Torah relies specifically on the fact that the Kohen is “a man of kindness” in order to render the judgment upon a Jew that “outside of the encampment shall be his dwelling.”

(The above sheds light on the further Scriptural references to the topic: “The Kohanim…should approach, for G-d, your L-rd, has chosen them to serve Him and to bless in the name of G-d, and by their word shall every controversy and every nega be judged” (Shoftim 21:5). Specifically on account of the fact that “G-d, your L-rd, has chosen them…to bless in the name of G-d, (therefore) by their word shall every controversy and every nega be judged.”)

Of course, it is imperative that the Kohen’s ruling be founded only upon the Torah, for which reason there must first be the examination of the nega by a sage, who applies the wisdom of the Torah and who is “adept in all nega’im, etc.” (Indeed, it must be a sage who has received the knowledge as a tradition from his master, his teacher.)

However, when it comes to actually determining the practical application of the ruling, it must be done through a Kohen, “a man of kindness,” for only he is sensitive enough to feel the full force of rendering such a negative halachicruling for another Jew. The Torah is confident that the Kohen will not withhold any efforts in the process of consulting with the sage about the correct ruling of the Torah, arousing his sensitivity to the concept of “and they shall judge the congregation – and save the congregation” (P’sachim 12a, beg.).

(The latter is reminiscent of the concept “there is no one as wise as the one who has been put to the test.” When something is studied, knowing in advance that an instruction and practical ruling will be determined from the analysis of the topic, one applies himself to delve deeper into it until he uncovers the truth of the matter.)

And if after arduous deliberation, analysis, and scrutiny, the Kohen, the man of kindness, resolves and proclaims “tamei – impure,” it is then that we are certain that this is the true ruling of the Torah. From another perspective, we are confident that after the one afflicted has been diagnosed as being impure the Kohen will fully apply himself to ensuring the subsequent purification of the metzora.

4. The lesson from this applies to one who encounters a Jew and sees in him something lowly and unbecoming, G-d forbid, seeing him as an outcast, not worthy to be among the encampment of the Jewish people, G-d forbid. In that situation, the Torah states that prior to rendering this ruling upon another Jew, even a great sage, proficient in the entire Torah, and according to his estimation of the wisdom of the Torah, this person is subject to the ruling of “outside of the encampment shall be his dwelling” – this sage must first make a proper self-assessment of where is he holding in the trait of kindness and in love of a fellow Jew. Indeed, if he is lacking, G-d forbid, in true love of his fellow, he has no right to issue such a ruling on another Jew! In fact, his ruling puts into question whether it was derived from pure Torah considerations or perhaps it emerged as a result of having unrefined character traits, etc.!

The Torah states that the nega itself does not establish impurity. Rather, the ruling and articulation of the Kohen (“man of kindness”) of the words, “you are impure,” establishes the impurity of the metzora. Thus, one who is not a Kohen, a man of kindness, and rules about another Jew that “outside of the encampment shall be his dwelling,” is lying. And therefore, it is he who is the “metzorainsofar as he is slandering another Jew (as our Sages say on the verse, “This shall be the law of the metzora” – “this shall be the law of the one who slanders another Jew”). Not only has he spoken negatively about another Jew (for lashon ha’ra, talking negatively about another, applies “even when one says the truth” – Rambam’s Laws of Proper Character 7:2), regarding whom the punishment is nega’im (tzaraas) (Erchin 15b, 16a), he is doing something even worse slandering, lying …about his fellow” (ibid).

What is the correction for this fault? “He shall dwell in solitude; outside of the encampment shall be his dwelling.” Until this person is inclined to look at another Jew in a positive light, he must separate himself from other Jews, thereby not causing grief with his wicked talk and slander!

Only when this person is healed of his “nega,” only then may he return and be healthy.

But through conducting oneself with true love of one’s fellow, in a manner of unwarranted love – that instantly nullifies the cause (baseless hatred –Yoma 9b) of exile, which is referred to as “ha’tzarua,” bringing about, as a direct result, the true and complete Redemption through Moshiach Tzidkeinu, speedily, literally in our days.

(From the address of Shabbos Parshas Toldos 5745)

From http://beismoshiachmagazine.org/articles/let-the-one-who-is-kind-cast-him-out-1.html

Links:
http://www.innerstream.ca/parsha-insights/parsha-insights-vayikra/parsha-insights-vayikra-tazria/tazria-fix-dont-break/5815/(external link)

 

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