Tazria 2018: Keeping the Balance
Parshas Tazria
2018
Keeping
the Balance
The Torah
teaches a concept called “tumah and taharah”, being spiritually
impure or pure. Tumah is a status. It’s nothing physical -it’s purely
spiritual. There are a several ways a person to become tamei (impure).
One way is by coming in contact with something that is impure or carries
impurities. For example, a corpse is tamei and if one touches a corpse
he too becomes defiled. A person who is defiled cannot partake in certain
practices until he is purified. One way to become tahoar (pure) is
through the mikvah (immersion in ritual bath house).
A woman becomes impure
when she gives birth. She is deemed tamei for a period, depending on the
gender of the child. Interestingly, some teach the reason Hashem made it
this way is because a mother could lose sight of the fact that Hashem
gave her this child, arrogantly feeling instead that she brought it into this
world. As a reminder or a way to keep things in balance Hashem made it
so that she is in a state of defilement and as such has some limitations. The
knowledge that she is defiled will keep her self-esteem intact.
In the times of our
ancestors (and in the future days of the Moshiach), there was (will be)
a second kind of spiritual impurity. This was a visible white spot or lesion
that would appear on a person’s body, clothing, or home. This was known as “Tzaraas”
(commonly translated as “leprosy”). If one found this spot he/she would come
before a kohen (priest) who would then determine if it was indeed a
spiritual imperfection. Tzaraas was given as a clear sign from Heaven that
the afflicted person had sinned in some way and needed to repent.
Tzaraas was not brought about by physical
contact with something impure rather, from an internal feeling that led to a
misdeed.
Subsequently, Hashem
would cut off the circulation in one’s skin causing that spot to whiten. This
physical ailment was just a symptom of a spiritual blockage. The kedusha
(holiness) in our lives can sometimes be so uplifting that it can make us feel
grandiose. Therefore, Hashem afflicts a person with Tzaraas.
This concept of
balance in self-worth and esteem is one that Perkei Avos weighs
in on. In fact, one is supposed to keep in mind two things. When one is feeling
down, he should remember that the world was created for him to exist in and
when one gets too high, he should contemplate his ultimate destination. These
two ideas are supposed to keep one in line and in balance.
Unfortunately, without
the Beis HaMikdash (holy Temple) we are disconnected from Hashem
and lost the spiritual disease, Tzaraas which helped us correct
ourselves. However, by learning the laws of what causes tumah and how to
rectify it, we should be inspired to grow spiritually and make sure we balance
our lives in accord with Hashem and His Torah.
Have a wonderful Shabbos and
weekend!
Maverick V. Peters
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MavPeters613@gmail.com
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