This week’s Parsha Preview is co-dedicated to the refuah of Menachem Mendel Ben Faigie Ruchel, Yocheved Bat Leah, Simcha Bat Mazel, Ofek Ben Tali, Shimon Ben Miriam, Sara Bat Hodda, Avraham Moshe Ben Miriam Tova, Baruch Kalman ben Leiben Jacobs, Yisrael Ben Sara, Kyla Chaya Bat Sarah Polson and Rav Moshe Refael Ben Chasiba Halevy may Hashem grant them all a speedy recovery and a complete healing.
Once again, you can have this Parshah Preview dedicated in honour or memory of a loved one, you can ask for a refuah or simply acknowledge a milestone. It does not cost a thing all you have to do is ask. Please update me on the people who we are davening and learning for.
I hope that this email/post finds you in good health and that you enjoyed your Pesach.
Join my blog @
http://parshapreview.blogspot.com or http://apps.facebook.com/liveblog/entry/476761
Happy Birthday to my friends who will celebrate Birthday’s this coming week:
Happy Birthday to:
Behn Goldis
“Ad Meyah Vesrim Shannah”
Tazria-Metzora
Leviticus 12:1-15:33
Candle Lighting in Toronto 7:44 P.M.
Candle Lighting in Thornhill 7:44 P.M.
Number Of Mitzvot: 7
5 Mitzvot Aseh (Positive Commandment)
2 mitzvah Lo Taaseh (Negative Commandment - Prohibition)
Haftora: (Additional portion, from Prophets, which is read after the Parsha)
After Parshat Metzorah
Melachim II / II Kings 7:3-20
This Shabbat we study Chapter 2 of Pirkei Avot - "Ethics of the Fathers."
The bulk of this week's portion, Tazria-Metzora, discusses various forms of tzara'at, skin maladies/disease (not a modern day leprosy) which are contracted as a result of engaging in forbidden gossip. Garment discolorations are also discussed which constitute "clothing tzara'at," and the symptoms and laws of "house tzara'at," indicated by certain brick discolorations. Following is a discussion of various ritual impurities, including the laws of the menstruating woman.
The Jewish people are instructed regarding the ritual impurity contracted by a woman who gives birth. The timeframe of this period of impurity differs depending whether the child is a boy or girl. At the conclusion of this period, the woman immerses in a mikvah and is required to bring certain offerings in the Beit Hamikdash(Temple). Incidentally, the Torah mentions the obligation to circumcise a male child on the eighth day of his life. The Torah then begins discussing the laws of tzara'at, a skin discoloration -- often inaccurately translated as "leprosy" -- which renders a person ritually impure. This aliyah discusses various forms of white skin discolorations. A person who has the symptoms of tzara'at must be seen by a Kohen Gadol. If the discoloration is deemed "suspicious," the Kohen Gadol will immediately declare the individual impure or quarantine him for up to two weeks. At the conclusion of the quarantine period, the Kohen Gadol either declares the individual pure or impure. The Torah then discusses what is done in the event that the tzara'at spreads after the individual was declared pure, or if there is raw skin within the tzara'at, or if the tzara'at has spread over the entire body. We learn the laws of tzara'at which appears following an inflammation on the skin.
The laws of tzara'at which appears following a burn to the skin. We discover that tzara'at can also affect the areas on the body covered by hair. The symptoms and laws of such a tzara'at are quite different than standard tzara'at. This section concludes with the laws of a person afflicted by multiple dull white areas on his skin.
The Parsha then discusses tzara'at which appears on a bald spot, as well a white discoloration streaked with red, which can appear anywhere on the body. Also discussed is the procedure followed by an individual who is afflicted with tzara'at, the main requirement being that he must remain outside the city until his condition clears up. The Torah then discusses "clothing tzara'at," a green or red discoloration which can affect certain types of materials. The garment is shown to the Kohen Gadol who quarantines it for up to two weeks.
At the conclusion of the quarantine period, depending on the circumstances the garment is either declared pure, or completely burnt, or only the part which was discolored is torn out and burnt. The Torah then describes the purification procedure for a person who contracted tzara'at. After the Kohen Gadol determines that the tzara'at has been healed, a ceremony (Korban-Sacrifice) involving two birds, a cedar plank, a scarlet thread and water from a live stream, is used for the initial stage of the purification. The individual also shaves his entire body. After a seven day wait, the person shaves again, and brings three animals and an oil offering to the Beit Hamikdash. The Kohanim processes the offerings in the manner prescribed in this section. With this the purification process is completed.
If the individual suffering from tzara'at cannot afford the above sacrifices, two birds can be substituted for two of the animals. This section describes the slightly different purification process reserved for the impoverished person.
Dwellings, too, can be afflicted with tzara'at. If bricks on a home become discolored -- acquiring a strong red or green pigment – the Kohen Gadol is summoned. If indeed the discoloration seems to be tzara'at, the Kohen Gadol quarantines the home for up to three weeks. Depending on the spread of the discoloration, the home is either declared to be pure, or the specific bricks are removed from the house, or, in the most extreme situations, the house is demolished. The Torah then describes the purification process for such a home -- which is very similar to the initial stage of the purification of the human afflicted with tzara'at (described above). The Torah then discusses the ritual impurity of a man who issues a sickly and unnatural seminal discharge, as well as the method by which this person attains purity when the condition passes.
The final section in the parsha discusses the ritual impurity contracted by a man who issues a (normal) seminal discharge, the ritual impurity of a menstruating woman, and of a man who cohabits with her. All such people must immerse in a mikvah (ritual pool) in order to be purified. Under certain circumstances a menstruating woman was required to bring to the Beit Hamikdash two bird offerings in order to attain purity.
Parashas Metzora:
Continuing on with the theme of spiritual impurity, Parashat Metzora discusses the laws of purification once the period of tzara'at has ended. The parsha ends off with a similar discussion to do with male and female discharges, and the spiritual defilement they cause.
The Talmud states that there are four people who are considered like dead people while alive, one of which is the metzora. The reason for this is alluded to in the Torah when it states:
Choose life! That you and your descendants may live ... (Devarim 30:19)
The Torah is not talking to people who are constantly on the verge of committing physical suicide; the Torah is talking to all of us who might be on the verge of committing spiritual suicide, by wasting our lives away pursuing less-than-meaningful goals. Since the ultimate goal of life is to be like G-d, the four categories of people referred to in the Talmud are people whose ability to be like G-d and to relate to Him have been lessened through their predicament. The lessening of one's ability to relate to G-d is tantamount to dying, at least spiritually.
Hence, ultimately, death and spiritual defilement (which came into the world as a result of the death that Adam and Chava caused through their sin), is that which interferes with one's potential to relate to G-d, which can be the result of the person, his environment, or both. When Adam and Chava ate from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, they violated their relationship with G-d, creating a distance between themselves and their source of life. Therefore, death was not a punishment; it was a consequence of their action. Their ability to sense G-d and relate to them was impaired.
Perhaps this is why the waters of the mikvah of spiritual purification cannot be "drawn" water, for drawn water is water that which has become "disconnected" from its source. If the goal is to become reconnected to the Source of life, that is, G-d (physically, spiritually, and symbolically), water detached from its source cannot be of much help.
We can understand the laws pertaining to emissions from the body of a male or female in a similar way. In each case, it is such fluids that are generally used by the body in the production of life, and the loss of these fluids represents the loss of potential life ... a form of physical death, and therefore, a form of spiritual death as well.
We are most like G-d when we are creating life, not taking it away or even just wasting it. To do just the opposite is not just the loss of an opportunity to imitate G-d ... it is a defilement of our very being. It is such sensitivity to the human capacity to give life, and to sustain life that allows one to live in the image of G-d-Betzelem Elokim (We were created in the image of Hashem). And as we see in many places, it is this sensitivity that is the true source of the Jewish concept of holiness as well.
If you need a place for Shabbat Meals or you would like to experience a more traditional Shabbat experience please do not hesitate to call. 416-829-1761.
Shabbat Shalom Umevorach-A peaceful and Blessed Shabbat
Yitzchak Alloul
This Parshah Preview is sponsored by Cars And Trucks 4 Less, Sales, Leasing and Financing. If you are in the market for a New or Used Vehicle give us a call “we will steer you in the right direction”. Please call 416-829-1761.
Once again, you can have this Parshah Preview dedicated in honour or memory of a loved one, you can ask for a refuah or simply acknowledge a milestone. It does not cost a thing all you have to do is ask. Please update me on the people who we are davening and learning for.
I hope that this email/post finds you in good health and that you enjoyed your Pesach.
Join my blog @
http://parshapreview.blogspot.com or http://apps.facebook.com/liveblog/entry/476761
Happy Birthday to my friends who will celebrate Birthday’s this coming week:
Happy Birthday to:
Behn Goldis
“Ad Meyah Vesrim Shannah”
Tazria-Metzora
Leviticus 12:1-15:33
Candle Lighting in Toronto 7:44 P.M.
Candle Lighting in Thornhill 7:44 P.M.
Number Of Mitzvot: 7
5 Mitzvot Aseh (Positive Commandment)
2 mitzvah Lo Taaseh (Negative Commandment - Prohibition)
Haftora: (Additional portion, from Prophets, which is read after the Parsha)
After Parshat Metzorah
Melachim II / II Kings 7:3-20
This Shabbat we study Chapter 2 of Pirkei Avot - "Ethics of the Fathers."
The bulk of this week's portion, Tazria-Metzora, discusses various forms of tzara'at, skin maladies/disease (not a modern day leprosy) which are contracted as a result of engaging in forbidden gossip. Garment discolorations are also discussed which constitute "clothing tzara'at," and the symptoms and laws of "house tzara'at," indicated by certain brick discolorations. Following is a discussion of various ritual impurities, including the laws of the menstruating woman.
The Jewish people are instructed regarding the ritual impurity contracted by a woman who gives birth. The timeframe of this period of impurity differs depending whether the child is a boy or girl. At the conclusion of this period, the woman immerses in a mikvah and is required to bring certain offerings in the Beit Hamikdash(Temple). Incidentally, the Torah mentions the obligation to circumcise a male child on the eighth day of his life. The Torah then begins discussing the laws of tzara'at, a skin discoloration -- often inaccurately translated as "leprosy" -- which renders a person ritually impure. This aliyah discusses various forms of white skin discolorations. A person who has the symptoms of tzara'at must be seen by a Kohen Gadol. If the discoloration is deemed "suspicious," the Kohen Gadol will immediately declare the individual impure or quarantine him for up to two weeks. At the conclusion of the quarantine period, the Kohen Gadol either declares the individual pure or impure. The Torah then discusses what is done in the event that the tzara'at spreads after the individual was declared pure, or if there is raw skin within the tzara'at, or if the tzara'at has spread over the entire body. We learn the laws of tzara'at which appears following an inflammation on the skin.
The laws of tzara'at which appears following a burn to the skin. We discover that tzara'at can also affect the areas on the body covered by hair. The symptoms and laws of such a tzara'at are quite different than standard tzara'at. This section concludes with the laws of a person afflicted by multiple dull white areas on his skin.
The Parsha then discusses tzara'at which appears on a bald spot, as well a white discoloration streaked with red, which can appear anywhere on the body. Also discussed is the procedure followed by an individual who is afflicted with tzara'at, the main requirement being that he must remain outside the city until his condition clears up. The Torah then discusses "clothing tzara'at," a green or red discoloration which can affect certain types of materials. The garment is shown to the Kohen Gadol who quarantines it for up to two weeks.
At the conclusion of the quarantine period, depending on the circumstances the garment is either declared pure, or completely burnt, or only the part which was discolored is torn out and burnt. The Torah then describes the purification procedure for a person who contracted tzara'at. After the Kohen Gadol determines that the tzara'at has been healed, a ceremony (Korban-Sacrifice) involving two birds, a cedar plank, a scarlet thread and water from a live stream, is used for the initial stage of the purification. The individual also shaves his entire body. After a seven day wait, the person shaves again, and brings three animals and an oil offering to the Beit Hamikdash. The Kohanim processes the offerings in the manner prescribed in this section. With this the purification process is completed.
If the individual suffering from tzara'at cannot afford the above sacrifices, two birds can be substituted for two of the animals. This section describes the slightly different purification process reserved for the impoverished person.
Dwellings, too, can be afflicted with tzara'at. If bricks on a home become discolored -- acquiring a strong red or green pigment – the Kohen Gadol is summoned. If indeed the discoloration seems to be tzara'at, the Kohen Gadol quarantines the home for up to three weeks. Depending on the spread of the discoloration, the home is either declared to be pure, or the specific bricks are removed from the house, or, in the most extreme situations, the house is demolished. The Torah then describes the purification process for such a home -- which is very similar to the initial stage of the purification of the human afflicted with tzara'at (described above). The Torah then discusses the ritual impurity of a man who issues a sickly and unnatural seminal discharge, as well as the method by which this person attains purity when the condition passes.
The final section in the parsha discusses the ritual impurity contracted by a man who issues a (normal) seminal discharge, the ritual impurity of a menstruating woman, and of a man who cohabits with her. All such people must immerse in a mikvah (ritual pool) in order to be purified. Under certain circumstances a menstruating woman was required to bring to the Beit Hamikdash two bird offerings in order to attain purity.
Parashas Metzora:
Continuing on with the theme of spiritual impurity, Parashat Metzora discusses the laws of purification once the period of tzara'at has ended. The parsha ends off with a similar discussion to do with male and female discharges, and the spiritual defilement they cause.
The Talmud states that there are four people who are considered like dead people while alive, one of which is the metzora. The reason for this is alluded to in the Torah when it states:
Choose life! That you and your descendants may live ... (Devarim 30:19)
The Torah is not talking to people who are constantly on the verge of committing physical suicide; the Torah is talking to all of us who might be on the verge of committing spiritual suicide, by wasting our lives away pursuing less-than-meaningful goals. Since the ultimate goal of life is to be like G-d, the four categories of people referred to in the Talmud are people whose ability to be like G-d and to relate to Him have been lessened through their predicament. The lessening of one's ability to relate to G-d is tantamount to dying, at least spiritually.
Hence, ultimately, death and spiritual defilement (which came into the world as a result of the death that Adam and Chava caused through their sin), is that which interferes with one's potential to relate to G-d, which can be the result of the person, his environment, or both. When Adam and Chava ate from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, they violated their relationship with G-d, creating a distance between themselves and their source of life. Therefore, death was not a punishment; it was a consequence of their action. Their ability to sense G-d and relate to them was impaired.
Perhaps this is why the waters of the mikvah of spiritual purification cannot be "drawn" water, for drawn water is water that which has become "disconnected" from its source. If the goal is to become reconnected to the Source of life, that is, G-d (physically, spiritually, and symbolically), water detached from its source cannot be of much help.
We can understand the laws pertaining to emissions from the body of a male or female in a similar way. In each case, it is such fluids that are generally used by the body in the production of life, and the loss of these fluids represents the loss of potential life ... a form of physical death, and therefore, a form of spiritual death as well.
We are most like G-d when we are creating life, not taking it away or even just wasting it. To do just the opposite is not just the loss of an opportunity to imitate G-d ... it is a defilement of our very being. It is such sensitivity to the human capacity to give life, and to sustain life that allows one to live in the image of G-d-Betzelem Elokim (We were created in the image of Hashem). And as we see in many places, it is this sensitivity that is the true source of the Jewish concept of holiness as well.
If you need a place for Shabbat Meals or you would like to experience a more traditional Shabbat experience please do not hesitate to call. 416-829-1761.
Shabbat Shalom Umevorach-A peaceful and Blessed Shabbat
Yitzchak Alloul
This Parshah Preview is sponsored by Cars And Trucks 4 Less, Sales, Leasing and Financing. If you are in the market for a New or Used Vehicle give us a call “we will steer you in the right direction”. Please call 416-829-1761.
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