YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Vayikra
- Metzora
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Vayikra
- Tazria
Chazal find a hint to tzarut ayin in the following p’sukim. Regarding an affliction of the house, the Torah says: "The one, that the house is his, comes" (Vayikra 14). The gemara says that this refers to one who sets his house aside for himself alone and refuses to share his utensils. After claiming that he does not have what his neighbor requests, he is forced to remove his wares for all to see upon evacuating the afflicted house.
The Meshech Chochma explains halachot of tzara’at based on the connection to tzarut ayin. The Torah requires the leper to stay alone outside the encampment (Vayikra 13:46), isolated even from other impure people (Pesachim 67a). This is part of a punishment that fits the crime. He who is unwilling to contribute to society is deprived of basic human interaction. Another halacha that takes on new light relates to the expense of the korban the afflicted is supposed to bring. In general, regarding korbanot that are more or less expensive depending on one’s financial capabilities, if one spent less than prescribed on the korban, he fulfills his obligation anyway. However, a rich leper who brought a korban befitting a poor one does not fulfill his obligation (Yoma 41b). Since tzarut ayin is a factor in tzara’at, one who maintains his characteristic of stinginess cannot expect to receive atonement in that manner.
There are also halachic proofs that the Torah encourages social interconnectedness. If a husband uses oaths to prevent his wife from lending utensils to neighbors, this can be used as grounds for divorce (Ketubot 72a). This is because the Torah views community life and proper relationships with neighbors as basic needs that it is forbidden to deprive a person of.
Furthermore, the halacha is that while two witnesses are usually required to establish facts, when it comes to questions of whether something is forbidden or permitted, one witness is sufficient (ed echad ne’eman b’issurin - Gittin 2b). The Ritva (ad loc.) explains that if this were not so, it would be impossible for one to be a guest at another’s house and eat his food. Thus, social needs ensure the relaxation of certain halachic standards (as subscribed by halacha), showing the relative importance of mitzvot between man and man.
Thus, we have seen that tzarut ayin, an anti-social trait, is, in regard to tzara’at, comparable to the cardinal sins. Let us cling to the values and traits needed to be positive members of society.
Parashat Hashavua The Content of Kingliness and Servitude
Based on Harav Shaul Yisraeli – from Shirat Hageula pp. 22-25
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
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.
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.
