174 Torah Book & Portion, Book of Leviticus, Metzora (Leviticus 14:1–15:33), Source Book Keys, CHINUCH LEVITICUS | 14:2 law — LEV148 Observe the laws of purifying someone who ... LEV148 Observe the laws of purifying someone who had tzara’as. Allusions in the purification process for a metzora--a person who had tzara’as: Cedar wood--the cedar tree grows very tall. The metzora should realize that his sin is due to haughtiness. He must now lower himself and be like a hyssop plant, which grows close to the ground. Extract from a worm--this, too, might be hint to him to curb his haughtiness and lower himself like a worm. Two birds--his sin was sinful speech, excessive and harmful chatter. Therefore, for atonement he brings birds--creatures that constantly chirp. An illusion in the purification process for those who contract spiritual impurity: water for immersion is a hint that when a person becomes cleansed of his impurity, it is a fresh start for him, as if he has just been created anew. While in the water, he should think of the world before man was created, even before any land existed and the whole world was only water. As he comes up out of the water and is purified, he is a renewed person. It is rebirth for him, so with respect to his deeds he should make a fresh start and behave only with virtue, with care for every detail of his Maker's Will. Share Print Source KeyCHINUCHVerse14:2Keyword(s)lawSource Page(s)119-120 Switch article LEVITICUS | 13:47 clothing — LEV147 Observe the laws involving signs of tzara’... Previous Article LEVITICUS | 14:2 leper — LEV150j We should publicize the importance of refr... Next Article