Emunah and Renewal: Lessons from Parashat Tazria and Rosh Chodesh

Good morning, everyone!

As we approach the upcoming week, I want to share a heartfelt message inspired by the memory of our dear friend Toby. Her unwavering emunah (faith), radiant smile, and joy for life continue to inspire us all. Despite challenges, Toby embraced life with positivity and strength. May her memory be a blessing and a source of advocacy for her family.

Tragedy and Spiritual Awakening

This past week in Jerusalem was marked by deep tragedies. Each loss feels like an entire world lost, reminding us that such events are never coincidental. Our Sages teach that when the heavens thunder, it is a call for us to awaken and reflect. Hashem is speaking to us, urging us to examine our hearts and make amends.

While we often look for political or social causes—hatred or conflicts—ultimately, Hashem directs all events. This is a divine wake-up call for personal introspection and growth. I ask myself daily: What does Hashem want from me? What is expected of me? We are all connected—Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh Bazeh (all of Israel are responsible for one another). Each of us has the ability and responsibility to strengthen our emunah and bitachon (trust in God) and to bring light into our surroundings.

The Profound Connection Between Birth and Renewal

As we prepare to read Parashat Tazria alongside Parashat HaChodesh, we uncover a beautiful connection between these themes:

• Tazria discusses birth — new life entering the world.

• HaChodesh speaks of renewal — the sanctification of the new month.

In Parashat Shemini, we learned about tumah (spiritual impurity) caused by certain foods. The Torah warns us not to bring impurity upon ourselves through what we eat, since our spiritual purity is deeply connected to what we ingest physically and spiritually.

Parashat Tazria moves us further, focusing on childbirth laws. The Torah commands that on the eighth day after birth, a brit milah (circumcision) must be performed. Why eight days? Why not wait until the child can choose? The Torah teaches that education and connection to Hashem begin from birth—indeed, even during pregnancy, the mother's choices impact the baby.

The brit milah symbolizes immediate commitment to educating and connecting the child to Hashem. A Jewish life’s foundation starts from the very first moment.

Lashon Hara and the Spiritual Lesson of Tzara'at

The Torah then discusses tzara'at, often mistranslated as leprosy. Unlike contagious diseases, tzara'at is a spiritual affliction caused by lashon hara — evil speech or slander. The Torah uses “Adam ki yihyeh” — “a man,” meaning every Jew — because Am Yisrael is one unified nation. Adam has no plural form, reflecting our unity as one family.

Lashon hara disrupts this unity, causing spiritual damage and division. Therefore, tzara'at serves as a divine warning against harming our community through hurtful words.

When tragedies strike, we are reminded to come together, avoid lashon hara, and strengthen our bonds.

The Power of Speech and the Lessons of Pesach

The connection between tzara'at, Rosh Chodesh, and Pesach runs deep. Pesach commemorates our liberation from Egypt, but our exile’s root was divisiveness and lashon hara, beginning with Joseph’s brothers and continuing with strife among the Israelites.

The word Pesach literally means “mouth” in Hebrew, reminding us to use speech to praise Hashem for His miracles rather than to harm others. Rosh Chodesh, marking the new month, symbolizes renewal — not only of time but of ourselves. Just as the moon renews itself, we are given constant opportunities to improve, grow, and strengthen our faith.

When Hashem gave the Jewish people their first mitzvah—to sanctify the new month—Moses asked why this mitzvah was first, rather than Shabbat or honoring parents. Hashem showed Moses the new moon, shining brightly, symbolizing endless opportunities for rebirth and renewal.

This teaches us that no matter how difficult the past month, we always have a fresh start. We must take responsibility for our spiritual growth and not blame others. True freedom is recognizing that our progress depends on our own efforts.

Embracing Renewal and Unity

Birth, spiritual purity, speech, and renewal are deeply connected themes. From the brit milah on the eighth day to the renewal of the moon, Hashem reminds us to begin educating and improving ourselves from the very start, to avoid harmful speech, and to embrace every chance for renewal.

As King Solomon teaches, when we strengthen our emunah and trust in Hashem, we become le’susa — leaders who can pave the way for redemption.

This Shabbat, which will be Rosh Chodesh, we will read from three Torah scrolls:

• Parashat Tazria (birth and purity)

• Parashat HaChodesh (renewal and sanctification)

• Parashat Pinchas (Rosh Chodesh and leadership)

May we all be inspired to use this time for deep reflection, unity, and renewal—bringing light into our lives and community.