Parshat This we read two Parshiot, Tazria and Metzora. It is also ! And this coming week we celebrate Yom HaAtzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day!

In Parshat Tazria and Metzora we learn about the disease of Tzaraat, translated as leprosy. Tzaraat was a spiritual disease that came as a result of speaking , gossip. Tzaraat only occurred during the times of the Mishkan and Beit Hamikdash and only in the . While we don’t have this disease today we can still learn the importance of improving our speech and making an extra effort to speak positively and kindly towards others. The teaches us that what makes us different than animals is our ability to talk and communicate. Let’s make sure we use this gift of speech in a productive way.

For Kids Ages 0-5

This is one of my favorite projects, courtesy of my friend Ms. Sam:) This Shabbat we will be making mouths to learn about the power of speech You will need: Apples Peanut butter Mini Marshmallows Slice the apples, spread some peanut butter on one side of each slice and then put the teeth (marshmallows) in the middle- enjoy!

Kids ages 5-12

Some of the older kids may enjoy making the mouths as well!

Telephone/Broken Telephone: Consider playing the game of telephone or broken telephone with your family to show how our words can be passed on from person to person. An important thing to remember is that once we’ve said something about someone we can’t take back our words. There is a very famous Chassidic tale that you can find here that illustrates this lesson. https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/812861/jewish/A-Pillow-Full-of-Feathers.htm

Questions for discussion: Why do you think people got tzaraat on their clothes? Why do you think people got tzaraat on their homes?