by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 9, 2023 | Tazriah
This week’s portion opens with the ritual laws of a woman who gives birth, but the bulk of the content discusses the identification, quarantine and purification of the metzorah, or leper. Unlike the medical affliction, Biblical tzaraat, or leprosy, can also affect...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 30, 2022 | Israel, Kings, Metzorah, Miracles, Nisan, Passover, Tazriah, Temple
Every week a portion from the Torah is read aloud in the synagogue, as well as a corresponding portion from the Prophets that is thematically connected to the Torah portion called the haftarah. The portion of the Torah called Tazria (Leviticus 12-13) is accompanied...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 30, 2022 | Purity, Tazriah
Leviticus (chapter 12) discusses the laws relating to a woman who has given birth. It mandates a seven-day period of impurity for a woman after giving birth to a male, during which she is forbidden to her husband and is not able to come in contact with sacred items...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 29, 2022 | Purity, Repentance, Responsibility, Tazriah
Leviticus introduces the affliction of tzaraat. Commonly mistranslated as leprosy, tzaraat can afflict the body, a home, or even clothing. Tzaraat only afflicts clothing made of three materials: wool, linen, or leather. Only sheep’s wool is susceptible to...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 28, 2022 | Israel, Messiah, Tazriah, Temple
The Torah portion of Tazria (Leviticus 12-13) deals with tzaraat, a disease usually mistranslated as leprosy. Tzaraat is a malady that afflicts the body, clothing, and the walls of houses. The afflicted is diagnosed by the priest and rendered impure. Tzaraat is...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 27, 2022 | Covenant, Tazriah
Leviticus commands that each Jewish male become a part of the covenant with God by removing his foreskin: On the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised. Leviticus 12:3 The Israel Bible explains: Leviticus chapter 12 deals with the laws of purity...
