PARSHAS tazria 29 ADAR 5768 5 april 2008

Parsha Perspectives OZER ALPORT

call my niece to convince her to break the ”.engagement וראה הכהן את הנגע בעור הבשר ושער בנגע הפך לבן ומראה הנגע עמק מעור בשרו נגע צרעת הוא וראהו הכהן וטמא אתו (13:3) Aghast at the unexpected turn of events, “The Kohen shall look at the affliction on the skin of his flesh. If hair in the affliction has the friends begged her not to do so. changed to white, and the affliction’s appearance is deeper than the skin of the flesh, it is They explained, “We were just innocently a tzara’as affliction; the Kohen shall look at it and declare him contaminated.” chatting about recent events. We didn’t mean many of the things we said, and t is interesting to note that all “impurities” in the Torah take effect most of them were exaggerated. Please don’t break-up this match because of our immediately upon contact with the impure item (e.g. a dead body, an impure poor judgment.” person). On the other hand, the determination of the status of tzara’as I As the bus reached her stop, the wise (a spiritual blemish with physical symptoms appearing on the skin, often woman paused before exiting and taught mistranslated as “leprosy”) isn’t dependent on the onset of the skin affliction or them an invaluable lesson. “You have even upon the evaluation of the Kohen (Priest), but upon the Kohen who verbally nothing to worry about. I’m not really her aunt … but I could have been!” proclaims, “Tamei,” – impure – which causes the commencement of the impurity. Why is this type of impurity determined in this unique manner? Yisrael Meir Kagan, known as the , answers our original The following story can shed light on this who had shared the news agreed and question by explaining that one of the question. One day in Jerusalem, two old proceeded to list problems not only primary causes of tzara’as is the speaking friends encountered one another on the with the boy, but also with his family’s of – disparaging speech. bus. Excited at the opportunity to catch reputation. The conversation went back- Measure-for-measure, the status of its up with one another, they sat down and-forth, with each of them heaping impurity is dependent upon the speech of together and began talking. In the middle more and more question-marks on the the Kohen who rules upon it. Many times of their conversation, one of them casually match. a gossiper justifies his actions by claiming mentioned the name of an old friend. The that mere words can’t harm another other replied, “You didn’t hear? She just After five minutes, a woman who was person. Therefore, just as the two friends got engaged last week to so-and-so!” sitting behind them noticed her stop learned on the bus, we hint to him how approaching and started to get up. Turning much damage a person’s words can cause Hearing this news left her friend both to the two young gossipers, she remarked, by showing him that his status hinges upon elated and shocked. “That’s so wonderful “I know you didn’t realize this, but I’m the the verbal proclamation of the Kohen. that she finally got engaged, but to him!? aunt of the girl you’ve been discussing. Who would have ever thought that she We obviously didn’t know about these would settle for a person with so many serious allegations against the boy and his problems?” Taking the bait, the one family. As soon as I get home, I’m going to

Please pray for a Refuah Shleimah for: Lieba bas Nechama Miriam, Bracha Sheindel Rachel bas Chaya Sara, Mordechai Hirsch ben Miriam and Yaakov ben Pearl Talking Points tazria r a b b i e l a z a r m e i s e l s 1. A Matter of Survival Milah for theirs. This explains, in part, why Brit crime of Lashon Hara (evil speech) which Milah overrides the sanctity of Shabbat, similar to caused his victims to be shunned by others. “On the eighth day, the flesh of his foreskin all instances in which we must violate the Shabbat In this manner, he is made aware of the shall be circumcised.” 12:3 when it concerns a matter of life and death. So vital dreadful consequences of his actions which is Brit Milah for the spiritual survival of the Jewish he casually dismissed as “just a few words” The Eighth Day – “Why must we wait people, that it must be performed on Shabbat and refused to consider their devastation until the eighth day to circumcise the child? although it entails a violation of Shabbat. effects. – Rashi ‘[This demonstrates] how great Shabbat is that an infant may not be circumcised until he “There are four types of people who has lived through a Shabbat.’” – Mechiltah, 2. Cannibalism in the are considered as dead…a metzorah…” – Shmot Torah , Nedarim 64b Lived Through Shabbat - Before infusing the child with the sanctity of the “When a person will have in the skin of his It is commonly believed that the comparison Brit Milah, the child must first undergo a flesh a spot of intense whiteness …he shall be of a metzorah to a dead person is in Shabbat encounter, only after which point is brought before Aharon the Kohen, or to one of recognition of the difficulty entailed in he spiritually equipped to be circumcised. his sons the Kohanim.” 13:2 removing the contamination and the terrible Lived Through Shabbat – Before shame it causes the afflicted. The reality, undergoing circumcision, a child must be In The Skin…A Spot – “Rabbi Yosi ben however, is that the difficulty notwithstanding, healthy and vigorous. This vigor is acquired Zimrah said, ‘Negaim [skin afflictions] afflict it still does not compare to death: a far worse only on Shabbat, similar to the universe which one who speaks Lashon Harrah [slander]’” – fate. Indeed, Rav Chaim Shmuelevitz zt”l, did not achieve stability and permanence Talmud, Eiruchin 15b explained that the comparison hinges upon until Shabbat was created. – Or HaChaim the metzorah’s obligation to dwell in isolation: (Rabbi Chaim Ibn Atar) It is interesting to note that this Parshah almost a fate as miserable as death itself. One who Circumcision is similar to a Korbon immediately follows the parshah that discusses lives alone, without friends, and without the [temple-offering] in that both of them beget kosher and non-kosher animals. Rabbi Yisroel ability to reach out to others to offer and atonement for the Jewish people. Just as a Salanter zt”l explained this arrangement as receive solace, is as one who is dead, so korbon does not atone unless the animal is a rebuke against those who are exceedingly lacking is he in the essentials of life itself! at least eight days old [VaYikra 22:27], so particular about which animals they consume, too, circumcision cannot atone unless the but give nary a thought to the people they infant is at least eight days old. Just as those “consume” with their slanderous chatter. An who merit atonement through the korbon animal, prior to it’s consumption must be partake of a meal, so too, the Brit Milah is slaughtered in meticulous fashion, whereas accompanied by a festive meal. – Rabbeinu people can be “eaten alive” through libelous This page is dedicated to and written Bachya and defamatory speech. By juxtaposing the for the 6,000 Partners in Torah mentors. The Eighth Day - This verse essentially two Torah portions, the Torah is telling us that We welcome you to join their ranks by repeats that which is already stated, “At just as we must be careful not to eat an animal calling 800-STUDY-4-2. Please send your the age of eight days every male among unless it meets specific criteria, we must comments, questions, and suggestions you must be circumcised, throughout your exercise similar caution before consuming to [email protected] generations…” [Bereishis 17:12]? This someone with our speech. teaches us that the circumcision must be performed on the eighth day even if it 3. Grave Dwellers Contact info for Partners in occurs on Shabbat. – Chizkuni – See Talmud, Torah mentor advisors*: Shabbat [132a] that derives this from the “And the person with Tzaraat (leprosy caused extra word, “U’Bayom” [On the day]. by speaking lashon hara) in whom there is the Rabbi Elazar Meisels ~ This verse contains a total of five words, affliction…All the days that the affliction is 732–917–6370 similar to the verse [Bereishis 2:1] that upon him he shall remain contaminated…he (Sunday & Tuesday 8:00 - 11:00 pm introduces the very concept of Shabbat. This shall dwell in isolation – his dwelling shall be Thursday 10am-12 noon) is an allusion to the fact that circumcision outside the camp.” 13:45,46 [email protected] overrides the Shabbat. – Baal HaTurim (RabbiYa’akov ben Asher, 1270-ca 1340) Rabbi Pinchos Jung ~ His Dwelling Shall Be In Isolation 845-425-6533 – Why is a metzorah (person afflicted with (leave message) tzaraat) singled out to live in isolation for the Just as the universe depends upon Shabbat for duration of his affliction? This is the Torah’s its survival, the Jewish people depend upon Brit way of underscoring the enormity of his “matchmaker, matchmaker, make me a match!” rabbi elazar meisels

ering the match, they tended to focus on the important aspects, not just the trivial ear Rabbi, ones that youngsters are prone to concen- I am fascinated by the whole idea of a matchmaker in Jewish trating on. Additionally, the Shadchan could be called upon to assist by conducting and tradition and wish you could provide some information smoothing over the financial negotiations D between the two families. This eliminated to me on the origins of this practice. Is it ancient in nature or a much of the personal animosity that is more recent phenomenon? Who would commonly hold this position common in the entire dating process. and is it right to expect payment for rendering these services? Jenny L. Payment for suggesting a match is gen- erally expected, and there is a consider- able amount of discussion in the halachic responsa regarding this point. Questions Jenny, plaints from servants who were bruised such as how to compensate two people Thank you for your question. The concept and battered after a disastrous first evening who suggested the match, or a situation of matchmaking is well known, but largely spent with their new spouse. The matron in which one person suggested the match, misunderstood, thanks to highly mislead- promptly sent for Rabbi Yosi and conced- but another person did most of the negoti- ing portrayals of traditional Shadchanim ed, “Rabbi – your Torah is true indeed!” ating, are dealt with in great detail. [matchmakers] in films like “Fiddler On The Roof” and others. While occasionally The Talmud [Niddah 31b,] explains the so- Interestingly, Rabbenu Nissim of Gerona the town yenta confused herself with the cietal custom that the man would travel to [Ra”n Tractate Shabbos 12a], posits that shadchan, by and large, it was a highly es- find a woman as an outgrowth of the fact the word “Shidduch” is rooted in the word teemed occupation throughout the centu- that he “lost” a part of himself when Eve “Menuchah,” which means peace and tran- ries. Oftentimes, who traditionally was taken from Adam. “One who loses an quility. He bases this on the Targum Yona- did not receive payment for their services, item, must be the one to pursue it,” says san’s [[Shoftim 3:11] rendering of the word would serve as matchmakers in an effort the Talmud. Drawing on this analogy, the “VaTishkot” – and (the land)was peaceful, to earn an honorable livelihood. Suggest- commentaries have suggested that the one as “V’Shidduchis”. Teshuvos HaGeonim ing and overseeing a match requires much who introduces a couple to one another, [Siman 425] suggests that it stems from skills and tact and is best accomplished by has not only assisted them in fulfilling their the word “Shadachi,” which refers to long respectable and sensitive individual. obligation to marry and build a family, but stems that shoot forth and intertwine with he has also fulfilled the of Hasho- one another. The word “Shidduch” then, The Midrash [VaYikra Rabba, 8:1] records vas Aveidah [returning a lost item.] means to knot or tie together. a conversation between Rabbi Yosi and a prominent Roman matron, who inquired In Tractate Shabbos [150a], the Talmud as- May we hear of many happy matches and how Hashem spends his days since having sures us that although mundane matters successful marriages! concluded creating the world. Rabbi Yosi may not be discussed on Shabbos to pre- responded, “He has been occupied with serve the sanctity of the day, conversations Rabbi Meisels pairing couples.” The matron expressed relating to Shidduchim [matchmaking] are dismay at the fact that Hashem would en- perfectly permissible to conduct as they Submit questions for publication consider- gage in such a mundane occupation and are considered sacred matters. This idea ation to:[email protected] insisted that she too, could do an equally has been immortalized in a well known satisfactory job of matching couples. She Shabbos zemer [song] entitled “MahYedi- promptly took 1,000 male servants, ran- dus.” domly assigned them to 1,000 female servants, and informed them that they The use of a Shadchan and the involve- were now married to one another. By the ment of the parents also contributed to the next morning, she was besieged with com- stability of traditional marriages. In consid- e learn that one who wishes to come closer to Hashem meritorious deeds of a righteous man.

must first abandon the evil of his ways and only then The Midrash therefore advises one who pursue positive action. This is based on the verse: has not yet repented: Pursue good deeds W even now, while you are striving to re- Turn from evil and [then] do good (Psalms ,סור מרע ועשה טוב 34:15). There are times, however, when this order must be reversed, pent. These actions, while now not up to par, can later be ``traded in” for perfect as Rabbi Yoseph Ber Soloveitchik (known as the “Beis HaLevi”) merits if you add a ``small fee” — repen- explains in the introduction to his work on the Torah. He bases this on tance. If, however, you refrain from pur- a Midrash (Yalkut Shimoni, Hoshea §529) that states: ``One who is too suing any mitzvot, then after repentance, while you will not have any sins, you will embarrassed to repent should trade in his sins for good deeds, and then also not have any merits to speak of. repent. This is akin to one who brings faulty coins (i.e., coins that are old and worn, which many people will not accept) to a moneychanger; for a This is the concept expressed by the ,תשא עון וקח כל טוב :prophet Hoshea small fee, he can trade them in for good coins.” Forgive every sin and accept good- Beis HaLevi explains: It is known that The above Midrash teaches us that ness (Hoshea 14:3). Once all the sins the Torah and mitzvot of a sinner are this is not the case. Just as one can are forgiven, then Hashem will retro- not accepted with favor in Heaven. It exchange deficient coins for valid ones actively accept all the good actions is therefore imperative that a sinner upon paying a small fee, so can the performed before the repentance. first abandon his sinful actions before ``deficient” mitzvot of a sinner later be pursuing actions of Torah and mitzvot; transformed into proper mitzvot that any effort at these seems to - been can be accepted by Hashem. When Lo o k w h o m a d e p a r t n e r ... tirely wasted. After he repents, he can a sinner repents completely from his r e c e n t s a m p l i n g o f p e o p l e then concentrate on doing good deeds, sins, it is considered by Heaven as if he w h o ’v e j o i n e d in a s p a r t n e r s : which will then be accepted by Hashem had never sinned — such is the power f a v i c a h a n , brooklyn ny and accrue toward his merits in Heaven. of true repentance. The mitzvot that e p h y c a r m e l , niskayuna ny However, there are times when a per- he had performed are thus considered d o v t e i c h m a n , far rockaway ny s t e v e n s p e r b e r , hoboken nj son, for whatever reason, cannot bring as if they had been performed by one m a l k y s c h e c h t e r , brooklyn ny himself to repent right away. Should he free of any taint. The very same mitzvot, then avoid all mitzvot due to their defi- which before his repentance were defi- Making partner has never ciency, in that they are mitzvot of a sin- cient and not accepted, can now ascend been this easy! ner? Is such effort really entirely futile? and be accepted as the perfect and TABLE TALK Hey, I Never Knew That! For discussion around the Shabbos Table Amazing Insights About the Weekly Parsha Ozer Alport

Why would giving The Torah discusses the laws regarding an “Adam” ( person) who has tzara’as on his skin (13:2). אדם birth to a child, usually The Holy teaches that of the many Hebrew words used to describe a person, the word thought of as a beauti- (Adam) is used to connote a respected individual. Why is a person who has sinned and brought(א ful and incomparable act of Q bringing new life into the world, tzara’as on himself referred to with an expression signifying importance? render a mother ritually impure Rabbi Nissan Alpert explains that a person isn’t measured by his mistakes. All people are human and (12:1-5)? (Mishmeres Ariel by are prone to err from time to time. Rather, a person’s worth is measured by whether he learns from his mistakes. A Torah scholar who is content with the level he has reached and has no ambitions Rabbi Shmaryahu Arieli) Ato continue improving himself can hardly be said to be a great person. On the other hand, a person who works to grow so as not to repeat his sins is certainly to be respected. In our case, although the person was If a person is afflicted stricken with tzara’as, if he comes to a Kohen (Priest) to understand what he did wrong and to learn how with tzara’as (a spiritual to correct his ways, the Torah teaches us that such a person is extremely important and deserving of our respect! blemish with physical (Parshas Shemini concludes with a verse which discusses differentiating between pure (kosher (ב symptoms appearing on the skin, often mistranslated as and impure (non-kosher) animals. Parshas Tazria begins by discussing the laws of a woman who “leprosy”) on his entire body, Qgives birth to a male child. What is the connection between these two topics? from his head to his feet, this When he was six years old, the Vilna Gaon (Rabbi Eliyahu ben Shlomo Zalman) was asked this would seem to indicate that he question. He immediately walked to the bookshelf, brought the Talmud tractate Yoma to the table, has sinned terribly. Why would Aand proceeded to open to folio 82a. the Torah rule (13:12-13) that The Talmud there discusses an episode in which two women were pregnant on Yom Kippur. Both smelled such an individual is pure and a pungent aroma which caused them to be seized with an overwhelming need to eat immediately. The need not go through any pro- Sages suggested that somebody whisper in the ear of each woman a reminder that it was Yom Kippur. One woman was able to regain her senses and successfully completed the fast, while the other continued to cess of healing or repentance? demand food. Because it was a question of saving her life, she was permitted to eat. The Talmud concludes (Rabbi Reuven Zelig Bengis that the first woman gave birth to the righteous Rabbi Yochanan, while the second woman gave birth to the quoted in Peninim MiShulchan wicked Shabsai Otzar Peiri, who used to hoard fruits to drive up the prices, thereby causing untold suffering Gevoha) to the poor. The Vilna Gaon suggested that the juxtaposition may be read as hinting to this episode. Our parsha ends by teaching that a separation between the pure and the impure will be caused by the difference between the whose root meaning is life) who eats (on Yom- חיה pregnant woman (often referred to in the Talmud as Kippur) and the one who doesn’t, and Parshas Tazria begins by clarifying that the difference in purity will be manifested in the sons they will bear! Ozer Alport can be reached at [email protected] Parsha Partner is a publication of Partners In Torah Rabbi Eli Gewirtz A division of Torah Umesorah Parsha Partner Production Team national director The National Society for Hebrew Day Schools y a f f a b a s l a w c h a n i d a v i s d a f n a h n o j o w i t z

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