M´tzora: A Leper

By Richard Sison | 2015

Introduction

In as much as many biblical scholars have seen the treatment of tzaraat by the priests as a medical issue, it was evident to the majority of Jewish sages that the laws and rituals concerning this malady cannot be explained as being “just” concerned with health or sanitation. Even the modern commentators such as Nehama Leibowitz, one of the twentieth century's greatest Bible commentators, he insinuated that "the Torah does not adopt a medical approach but regards the disease as a symptom of spiritual imbalance.

These six things the L-RD hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him:
1. A proud look
2. A lying tongue,
3. Hands that shed innocent blood,
4. A heart that devises wicked plans,
5. Feet that are swift in running to evil,
6. A false witness who speaks lies,
7. And one who sows discord among brethren.

Proverbs 6:16-19