Parshat Tazria-Metzora: Lessons on Purity, the Moon, and Miracles

The Korban Chatat and the Diminished Moon: A Lesson in Humility

On every Rosh Chodesh, a Korban Chatat (sin offering) was brought in the Beit HaMikdash. The Midrash explains this offering as an atonement for Hashem diminishing the moon’s size:

• The Moon’s Complaint: When the sun and moon were created, the moon asked, “How can two kings share one crown?” — expressing jealousy.

• Hashem’s Response: Hashem agreed but diminished the moon, assigning it to rule the night, while the sun ruled the day.

The lesson is timeless: jealousy and negative speech diminish us, just as the moon was diminished. Originally, the moon was meant to shine as brightly as the sun. So too, Am Yisrael is compared to the moon — small yet constantly renewed, destined for greatness in the World to Come.

Each Rosh Chodesh, as we witness the moon’s renewal, we are reminded to examine our hearts, cleanse our speech, and let humility and positivity illuminate our lives.

The Power of Speech: Lessons from Tzara’at

Parshat Tazria begins with the miracle of birth — reminding us of the potential for holiness in every soul. Yet this Parsha also teaches us how easily we can damage that potential through careless words.

We are careful about what we put into our mouths — observing kashrut — but even more important is what comes out of our mouths. Words, once spoken, can never be retrieved.

The Metzora and His Offering

The Metzora — one afflicted with Tzara’at (a spiritual skin condition often linked to Lashon Hara) — was required to bring two birds as an offering:

• Why birds? Because birds chirp endlessly without thought — symbolizing careless, thoughtless speech.

The Stages of Tzara’at: A Spiritual Message

1. House AfflictionThe first sign of Tzara’at appeared on the walls of the house — teaching that arrogance often begins at home. The Torah says “asher lo ha’bayit” — “his house” — reminding us not to view what we have as purely our own. Pride within the home leads to negative speech about others.

2. Clothing AfflictionIf left unchecked, the affliction spread to one’s clothing — showing how outer pride can feed arrogance and gossip.

3. Body Affliction (Skin and Hair)Finally, the affliction reached skin and hair — the outer layers that protect us. Engaging in Lashon Hara strips away these protections, absorbing negativity instead of projecting light.

Midah k’neged midah — measure for measure — the Metzora experienced physically what his words inflicted spiritually.

Turning “Skin” Into Light

Rabbi Meir taught: “Do not read ‘or’ (skin) with an Ayin, but ‘or’ (light) with an Aleph.” Even if one has sinned through negative speech, Teshuvah can transform that darkness into light. By developing an ayin tova — seeing the good in others — we can become true beacons of light.

A Story of Tzara’at: The Tzadik’s Power

This story from the early 20th century illustrates the deep spiritual forces at work behind our speech:

A young, impoverished Polish Chassid, Herschel, emigrated to America, promising to support his wife and children. At first, he sent money faithfully — but over time, the letters and funds stopped. Word reached his father-in-law that Herschel had abandoned his Chassidic life and assumed an American name.

Desperate, the father-in-law consulted a great Tzadik, who instructed him to contact the chief rabbi in New York and order Herschel to return. Herschel ignored the warning. The Tzadik then said: “Tell the rabbi: as a Kohen, I possess the power to afflict him with Tzara’at if he refuses.” Again, Herschel scoffed.

Within days, Herschel developed a mysterious skin disease that no doctor could cure. Quarantined, he was eventually deported back to Poland. On the ship, deeply shaken, Herschel repented. Upon arrival, he sought out the Tzadik, begged forgiveness, and reunited with his family. His skin healed — and he resumed his life of faith.

This story reminds us: Hashem dwells among us — “Dar Ba’Tachtonim” — guiding us with love and compassion, even when the path is difficult.

Bringing More Joy and Light into Adar

As we enter this joyous month, may we embrace its message:

• Increase joy — Marbim b’simcha.

• Sanctify our speech — guard our words carefully.

• See the good — cultivate an ayin tova toward others.

• Renew ourselves — like the moon, always ready to begin again.

Have a beautiful Rosh Chodesh and a joyful Shabbos. May Hashem fill our lives with light, love, and ever-deepening simcha.