198 Torah Book & Portion, Book of Leviticus, Tazria (Leviticus 12:1-13:59), Source Book Keys, CHINUCH LEVITICUS | 13:2 tzaraas — LEV136 Laws of spiritual impurity observed by som... LEV136 Laws of spiritual impurity observed by someone affected with tzara’as. The condition of tzara’as is meant to impress upon our souls that Hashem watches over His entire creation and is intimately aware of everything that each person thinks, says and does. Sin is the cause of this disease, and anyone who gets tzara’as is forbidden to think that he contracted it by chance. Our Sages say that most cases of tzara’as are due to the sin of lashon hara--derogatory or harmful speech about one's fellow Jew. Having spoken against his fellow Jew, the person must separate himself from society and go to the Kohen to show him the whiteness that has appeared on his skin. By associating with the Kohen, perhaps he will be moved to repent and abandon his sin. The Kohen places him in confinement for a few days, during which time he can carefully reflect upon his deeds, recognize his sin and repent. If his confinement does not cause him to repent, Hashem sends upon him more signs of tzara’as so that the Kohen will pronounce another period of confinement upon him. Perhaps he will now repent his sin and Hashem will rid him of the tzara’as for He is watching him all the while and knows his thoughts. If the sinner repents Hashem will cure him. Share Print Source KeyCHINUCHVerse13:2Keyword(s)tzaraasSource Page(s)115-6 Switch article LEVITICUS | 13:2 swelling — LEV135 The portion of "Tazria" serves as a lesson... Previous Article LEVITICUS | 13:33 shave — LEV137 Do not shave off the hairs immediately adj... Next Article