Aliya Summary: In this Aliya we discover that tzara'at can also affect the areas on the body covered by hair. The symptoms and laws of such a tzara'at are quite different than standard tzara'at. This Aliya concludes with the laws of a person afflicted by multiple dull white areas on his skin.
There is a specific prohibition of cutting the hair of a Tzora'at area on the body. Among other reasons, this would remove an important indicator for the inspecting kohen. If a doctor notices that a rash on a patient might be the result of stress and tension in the workplace, then it would serve no purpose to merely treat the rash. In fact, the rash might clear up after some stress-reduction measures without any treatment of the rash itself.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Daily Aliya for Tazria, Revii (4th Aliya)
Aliya Summary: This Aliya discusses burns on the skin and different colorations within the affected area.
Keep in mind that a blemish of any sort is not Tzora'at unless declared so by a kohen. It could look like Tzora'at, but it isn't unless declared. In fact, two people can have identical signs and one can be declared a Metzora, the other not so. As a result, the treatment of each case is completely different. This is once again consistent with the personal nature of these afflictions.
Keep in mind that a blemish of any sort is not Tzora'at unless declared so by a kohen. It could look like Tzora'at, but it isn't unless declared. In fact, two people can have identical signs and one can be declared a Metzora, the other not so. As a result, the treatment of each case is completely different. This is once again consistent with the personal nature of these afflictions.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Daily Aliya for Tazria, Shlishi (3rd Aliya)
Aliya Summary: The Torah presents further details on what the kohen looks for when inspecting boils and similar afflictions on the skin. The elborate checking and time delays from inspection to inspection serve to give the afflicted person ample time for introspection. A "nega" on the outside mirrors a character blemish or a religious shortcoming on the inside.
While the kohen examines the external, the afflicted have a chance to examine their internal thoughts and faults.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Daily Aliya for Tazria, Sheni (2nd Aliya)
Aliya Summary: At the conclusion of the quarantine period, the priest either declares the individual pure or impure. The Torah then discusses what is done in the event that the tzara'at spreads after the individual was declared pure, or if there is raw skin within the tzara'at, or if the tzara'at has spread over the entire body.
The laws of Nega'im are difficult and complex. In addition to everything else, the kohen had to know the psychology of the cases and be sensitive to the personal situations of the afflicted. That fact, along with the fact that shades of colors are often subject to the observer's perspective, proves that this affliction and subsequent remedy is a very personal experience, meant to promote proper behavior and involving more objective and knowledgeable Jews (and people) in our lives.
The laws of Nega'im are difficult and complex. In addition to everything else, the kohen had to know the psychology of the cases and be sensitive to the personal situations of the afflicted. That fact, along with the fact that shades of colors are often subject to the observer's perspective, proves that this affliction and subsequent remedy is a very personal experience, meant to promote proper behavior and involving more objective and knowledgeable Jews (and people) in our lives.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Daily Aliya for Tazria, Rishon (1st Aliya)
The bulk of this week's Parsha, Tazria, discusses various forms of tzara'at, skin maladies which are contracted as a result of engaging in forbidden gossip. Also discussed are certain garment discolorations which constitute "clothing tzara'at."
Aliya Summary: The Jewish people are instructed regarding the ritual impurity contracted by a woman who gives birth. The timeframe of this period of impurity differs depending whether the child is a boy or girl. At the conclusion of this period, the woman immerses in a mikvah and is required to bring certain offerings in the Temple. Incidentally, the Torah mentions the obligation to circumcise a male child on the eighth day of his life. The Torah then begins discussing the laws of tzara'at, a skin discoloration -- often inaccurately translated as "leprosy" -- which renders a person ritually impure. This Aliya discusses various forms of white skin discolorations. A person who has the symptoms of tzara'at must be seen by a priest. If the discoloration is deemed "suspicious," the priest will immediately declare the individual impure or quarantine him for up to two weeks.
Aliya Summary: The Jewish people are instructed regarding the ritual impurity contracted by a woman who gives birth. The timeframe of this period of impurity differs depending whether the child is a boy or girl. At the conclusion of this period, the woman immerses in a mikvah and is required to bring certain offerings in the Temple. Incidentally, the Torah mentions the obligation to circumcise a male child on the eighth day of his life. The Torah then begins discussing the laws of tzara'at, a skin discoloration -- often inaccurately translated as "leprosy" -- which renders a person ritually impure. This Aliya discusses various forms of white skin discolorations. A person who has the symptoms of tzara'at must be seen by a priest. If the discoloration is deemed "suspicious," the priest will immediately declare the individual impure or quarantine him for up to two weeks.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Daily Aliya for Shemini, Shvii (7th Aliya)
Aliya Summary: We learn of the possibility of foods and utensils contracting ritual impurity if they come in contact with any of the aforementioned impurities. The Torah then mentions the impurity contracted through coming in contact with the carcass of a kosher animal which was not ritually slaughtered. We are commanded not to consume any insects or reptiles. The reading closes with an exhortation that we remain holy by abstaining from eating all forbidden foods.
All of the above is meant to elevate the Jew's soul to the sanctity that G-d wanted us to attain. For us, there is a direct link between body and soul, the spiritual and the mundane. The laws of kashrut bring the point home.
All of the above is meant to elevate the Jew's soul to the sanctity that G-d wanted us to attain. For us, there is a direct link between body and soul, the spiritual and the mundane. The laws of kashrut bring the point home.
Daily Aliya for Shemini, Shishi (6th Aliya)
Aliya Summary: G‑d gives the commandments of Kosher, explaining how to distinguish between kosher and non-kosher animals, fish, and birds. Kosher animals must chew their cud and have cloven feet. The Torah lists four animals that have only one of these attributes, but not both, and are therefore non-kosher. Kosher fish must have fins and scales. The Torah then gives a list of species of non-kosher birds, and species of kosher locust. The Torah then discusses the ritual impurity caused by coming in contact with the carcass of a non-kosher animal, as well as certain species of rodents and amphibian creatures.
If the Torah only prohibited fish without scales, one would obviously have to examine fish before declaring it Kosher. Why, then, are we commanded to examine the fish, if it has to be done anyway? Rabbi Chananya b. Akashya answers that "G-d wanted to benefit Yisrael, therefore He heaps upon us Torah and Mitzvot", even when we'd do them anyway.
If the Torah only prohibited fish without scales, one would obviously have to examine fish before declaring it Kosher. Why, then, are we commanded to examine the fish, if it has to be done anyway? Rabbi Chananya b. Akashya answers that "G-d wanted to benefit Yisrael, therefore He heaps upon us Torah and Mitzvot", even when we'd do them anyway.
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