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Tazria Mitzora: Isolationist Joys
Submitted by on April 23, 2006 – 9:45 amNo Comment | 2,475 views
Not A Simple Pain
In discussing the subject of “Tzoraas: Biblical leprosy,” our sages explained that it was not a physical ailment but a manifestation of a spiritual malaise. The Jewish body is intimately linked with the soul and when the soul is ailing the body responds accordingly.
The spiritual ailment of leprosy comes as a result of engaging in gossip or slanderous talk. Gossip and slander damage the soul and the body manifests such damage in the form of leprosy.
Consequently, leprosy is not cured by medical intervention; the leper is rather isolated for seven days after which it is hoped that the leprosy will have faded. What is the secret behind this cure?
Effect of Slander
Slanderer do not usually realize the affects of slandering e.g. it strains relationships, damages friendships and destroys communities. The slanderer is too consumed with the task at hand, enjoying the gossip or publicizing the faults of a particular individual to the entire community.
A week of self-imposed isolation gives us pause; time to think and reflect. The Torah believes that most people, given the opportunity, realize the error of their ways and take pains to correct them.
Though we do not practice the laws of leprosy today we do experience Lashon Hara – Slander – in our communities. Let us make a special effort to eradicate this negative trait from amongst us.
