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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.
Various Rabbis
Various Rabbis including those of of Yeshivat Bet El, such as Rabbi Chaim Katz, Rabbi Binyamin Bamberger and Rabbi Yitzchak Greenblat and others.
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: A Crown and its Scepter – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 294-5
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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Chukat "HOW ENTEBBE STOLE THE BICENTENNIAL
The Difference Between Historic & Eternal"
As we approach America's 250th birthday, it's worth remembering her 200th Bicentennial birthday, on Jul. 4th 1976, when Israel "stole the show" by shocking the world & miraculously saving 101 hostages in a foreign continent. As Pres. As Pres. Trump decides which countries get priority in his new Middle-East, it's worth reminding him of the difference between historic events and eternally historic ones. This obviously connects with this week's parsha, as well!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 6 - The Parable of the King of India
The advantages of testimony over circumstantial evidence or philosophical speculation.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.
Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.