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Mourning the dead and mourning one’s affliction with tzara’at are quite different. A dead person has died permanently (until techiyat hameitim, which is a new existence). In stark contrast, a metzora is expected to heal. This difference may be able to be explained by a halachic distinction between types of metzoraim: a musgar (quarantined until further determination) and a muchlat (one with a definite status of a full metzora). The difference between the two is that only a muchlat wears the ripped clothes and lets his hair grow (Megilla 8b). We can suggest that a muchlat is considered to be a permanent metzora in a way that makes him as one who died. The person, who is separated from society, has ceased to exist as we once knew him. Any recovery contains elements of rebirth.
This bold suggestion can explain another interesting halachic phenomenon. Using the same roots found in our pasuk, the Torah says that a kohen gadol must not rip his clothes or have his hair grow long, even if he is mourning the closest relatives. Yet, the gemara (Mo’ed Katan 15a) deduces from the pasuk "and the metzora" (Vayikra 13:45) that even a kohen gadol rips his clothes and grows his hair as if he is a metzora. The Malbim says that this is an application of the rule that fulfillment of a positive commandment (for a metzora to rip his clothes) pushes off a negative commandment (of a kohen gadol not doing so). In other words, while the prohibition is, in theory, in full force, the positive mitzva overcomes it. However, the pasuk could be telling us that while the kohen gadol, as a symbol of what is right and needed in the nation, cannot be disheveled, he loses his ability to impact positively when he has tzara’at. Thus, the negative commandment is not so applicable to this case.
To maintain our dignity and vitality we should avoid pitfalls in dealing with others. Even in times without tzara’at, inability to interact properly with society has similarities with death.
Rabbis in Midrash
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
