The Hidden Light of Shabbat HaGadol and Parashat Metzora (2019)

In memory of Toby Richter z”l and her mother Shoshana a”h

Dedication:This week’s words of Torah are dedicated l'ilui nishmat Toba Miriam bat Sessel Shalom, our dear friend Toby Richter z”l, whose radiant smile and pure heart left a lasting impression on all who knew her. It was also recently the shloshim of her dear mother, Shoshana a”h. Both mother and daughter shared a remarkable trait: they only saw the good in others. This dvar Torah is in their memory — an inspiration for us all.

The Power of Positive Vision

Parashat Metzora speaks of the punishment of tzara’at, a spiritual illness rooted in lashon hara. Toby and Shoshana embodied the opposite: a life of joy, seeing good in everyone, and never speaking ill. When one truly sees the beauty in others, there is no room for gossip — only love, encouragement, and gratitude. Their legacy reminds us: Yes, it is possible to live without lashon hara. We’ve seen it lived.

Transforming Pain into Purpose

My father used to teach that the Hebrew word for plague, nega (נגע), can be transformed into oneg (ענג) — pleasure — simply by rearranging the letters. A “nega” is something painful, unexpected, or even frightening. But when we ask, “What is Hashem trying to tell me?” we uncover deep meaning and even joy. Hardship can become healing when we let it refine us.

A Personal Reflection

The past two months have been personally challenging, as my husband has been unwell. Life has slowed. The rush of Pesach prep is quieter. And you know what? It’s still Pesach. Maybe the closets aren’t perfectly organized, but the heart is being prepared. Priorities shift. What matters most becomes clear.

Tzara’at of Clothes and Walls – What’s the Message?

Tzara’at didn’t only affect people. It appeared on clothing and even on the walls of homes. Why?Because clothes reflect our identity. Do we dress for modesty or for status? When clothing becomes about ego or arrogance, it loses holiness.The walls of our homes, too, can reflect selfishness. The Torah says U’ba asher lo habayit — “the one to whom the house belongs” had to go to the Kohen. But why this wording? Because that person thought, “This is MY house. I owe no one anything.” Hashem reminds us: nothing is truly ours. A home must be open, giving, and filled with kindness. If not, even the walls protest.

Shabbat HaGadol – Growing Into GreatnessWhy is this week called Shabbat HaGadol — the “Great Shabbat”?Because when Bnei Yisrael in Egypt took the Egyptian god, the lamb, into their homes as commanded — knowing it could provoke danger — they became gedolim. They took responsibility. They stepped into greatness.

Another insight: This Shabbat, our homes may be in transition — dining rooms moved, crumbs contained, pita instead of challah. And Shabbat itself says, “I’m a mevater — I let go — so you can prepare for freedom.” That is true greatness. That is Shabbat HaGadol.

Final Blessings

Wherever you are — America, Israel, Belgium, Chile — remember: the simplicity of this week is part of its grandeur. As we clean, prepare, and refocus, we are discarding what no longer serves us. We are choosing what truly matters.

Don’t work too hard. Rest up. Save your strength for the week ahead. And let your heart be filled with light.

Good Shabbos. Shabbat Shalom. With love to you all.