By Shalom Olensky
This week in the Torah:
First, the laws of the spiritual impurity which caused leprosy in Biblical times. Second, the laws of purifying the leper, freeing him from the affliction and rendering him pure once again. The first is titled “Birthing” and the second is titled “Leper.”
Questions:
The term “birth” implies the beginning of life – purity. And the term “leper” implies the opposite. Why, then, is the section that delineates the laws of the leper’s impurity (caused by idle, and then evil, talk) and consequences – enforced isolation, titled “Birthing?” And why is the section that describes the laws and rituals that purify the leper, called “Leper?”
Preface:
A fundamental principle of Jewish faith is the concept of reward (for doing good) and punishment (for the opposite). However, it is understandable that G-d’s Law – the Torah – is thoroughly kind. Even a Torah-instituted punishment is in truth not a punishment, rather it is a kindness to the afflicted to cleanse the person from the spiritual blemish of sin.
However this is not always readily apparent. This week, in the Torah, however, the kindness behind the punishment is evident:
The sin of the leper was that of speaking negatively of people or things that ought to be revered and respected. This kind of talk causes disparity amongst people as well as between people and G-d. When the unnatural leprosy appeared and was deemed by the Kohen (Priest) to be impure, the leper would be put in isolation outside the Jewish settlement in order that the leper realize the detriment of disparity which isolates one from others. This predicament itself would heal the leper mentally, spiritually and physically.
Thus, the Torah provides an example of kindness (the spiritual healing) even within its laws of discipline. This in turn illuminates one’s understanding of all of Torah’s laws as kind; not just the rewards, but even the so-called punishments.
Answer:
Hence, the laws of the leper’s treatment are called “Birthing,” to allude to the blessing of life and kindness that the sinner’s afflictions really possess. And the section dealing with the rituals that purify this person, are called “Leper” to allude to the fact that the purification process began with the leprosy itself and not just with the eventual purifying rituals.
Lesson:
Jews in (physical and/or spiritual) Exile are not there to be forsaken, G-d forbid. Exile is really meant to induce them to give birth to the blessings of life and purity that their return to G-d will engender. And the coming of Moshiach, does not just start from after the Exile. Rather, the very Exile itself (“Leper”) contains the opportunity and impetus to cause, by good deeds, the ensuing Redemption.
The revelation of this is imminent, as we are closer than ever to this blessed future.
(Based on Likkutei Sichos Vol. 22, Tazria-Metzora)
