Drawing Inspiration from the Torah

Tzaraat is a skin disease mentioned in this week’s Torah portion, that manifests itself in various forms, including swelling, rash, and white discoloration. As the Torah is a living and breathing document which provides meaning and life direction in real time, allow me to indulge you in some life lessons we can learn from the disease of tzaraat.

One lesson we can learn from tzaraat is the importance of mindfulness and self-reflection. The Torah describes how a person suffering from tzaraat must isolate himself and examine his behavior to determine if his suffering is the result of misbehavior. This process of introspection can teach us to take a step back and evaluate our own actions when we encounter challenges or obstacles in our lives. It can also help us identify areas for improvement and take steps to make positive change.

Another lesson we can learn from tzaraat is the power of community. The passuk above tells us that a Kohen must examine a person with tzaraat to determine his status. This reliance on the support and guidance of others reminds us of the importance of asking others for help when we face difficulties in our own lives. Additionally, tzaraat is a physical manifestation of a spiritual ailment, a reminder that one’s physical and spiritual behavior are interconnected.

Finally, tzaraat can inspire us to focus on the concept of healing, forgiveness and moving onwards, as even though getting tzaraat is embarrassing, consuming and expensive (depending on the location), the tzaraat doesn’t last forever and it leaves no marks. You pay the time for doing the crime and you move on.

By reflecting on the lessons of Tzaraat and applying them to our own lives, may we find the strength and courage to overcome challenges and grow as individuals and be the best possible contributors to the Jewish nation.

Shabbat Shalom!