Tazria - Metzora
The leprosy or "Tzara'at" discussed in this weeks's Parsha, comes in many different forms. The Torah details its different manifestations, describing the purification process for each individual form.
This was not a physical malady, but rather a spiritual deficiency, which exhibited physical symptoms.
With this in mind, one of it's forms of the becomes most perplexing, the "Tzara'at" of one's home. The Torah describes in detail how one's home could become afflicted with "Tzara'at" and how do fix it. What is puzzling however, is why would a house become stricken in the first place?
Obviously a home cannot sin or act inappropriately, only it's owner. If that is so what deed or sin, could cause such a reaction?
Rabbi Avraham Sabba explains in the Tzror Hamor, how there was one specific set of behavior which led to this results, the unwillingness to help and assist others.
This ideas is illustrated, he explains, in the verse itself. In describing this predicament the verse states "The one to whom the house belongs should come to the Kohen" (Vayikra 14:35) in Hebrew the word the one to whom is: "Lo HaBayit" the House is his.
This Rabbi Sabba explains is the root of the problem. There is a Jewish value that "LaHashem Ha'aretz umloah" that everything in this world is only our temporarily, given to us by Hashem to be used in the best way properly. This person - the owner of this house, says Rabbi Sabba must have been behaving otherwise.
Instead of using his possessions, and that in which he has been blessed to help others in need, his attitude is one of self indulgence attributing his success and fortune to his cunning and smarts.
It is precisely this attitude which brought about the "Tzara'at" of the one's home. A house is the first and foremost possession of each individual. Someone whose possessions and belongings became a source of exhibition of wealth as opposed to a tool for the greater good, was how the "Tzara'at" of houses came about.
The lesson from this is clear Rabbi Sabba tells us, are possessions we accumulate and have, are ours to be used for a purpose, to help others and not a measure of value unto itself.
Shabbat Shalom!
Portuguese Jewish history is a rich tapestry of accomplishment and challenge spanning the centuries. Portugal's shores have produced and housed some of our greatest Rabbis and leaders. From statesman, leader and scholar Rabbi Don Yitzchak Abarbanel to Shulchan Aruch author Rabbi Yosef Karo in the 15th century through to the Lubavitcher Rebbe's time in Lisbon in 1941, Portugal has enabled tremendous developments in strengthening community and Torah.
It is in recognition of the timeless nature of these commitments, and in honor of all of those Jews who have called Portugal home through times of brilliance and darkness, that these Torah insight's from Portugal's great Rabbis is produced - here in Portugal.
Special thanks to Rabbi Shlomo Pereira for the Portuguese translation.