Parshat Metzora; Leviticus 14:1-15:33 by Rabbi Denise L. Eger

This parsha is tied to last week’s portion Tazria. In non-leap years, these two portions are read together. But in this leap year we read them separately. Nevertheless the subject of these two portions is greatly intertwined. While last week we read of the plague of tzaarat, its diagnosis and the spiritual impurity it brings to both people and garments, this week we read of the ceremony of cleansing of the one who is now healed of the affliction.

The metzorah, the one afflicted with tzaarat, once healed can only be readmitted to the congregation of Israel through a detailed ceremony that includes sacrifices as well as purification of the body and shaving of body hair. The metzorah was quarantined outside of the camp, lest he infects and contaminates the spiritual cleanliness of fellow Israelites. The metzorah even was required to warn others of the impure state that he/she found him/herself in by calling out the words, “Impure, Impure”.

The priest not only determined the disease at the outset but now the priest still holds the key to readmission to the community through the ceremonies of sacrifice, the anointing with oil and the special ritual of two birds, one whose blood is utilized and the second who is allowed to fly away. Magically transferring the impurity to the second bird –not unlike the scapegoat that carries our sins away on Yom Kippur.

The metzorah not only had this special ritual of the birds but also had to bring to the priest quite an expensive array of offerings. These included two male lambs, choice flour, and oil. The price for re-admission was very high indeed and this took place over the course of a week. So in addition to the time spent in quarantine healing from the disease the readmission procedure took an additional week. Imagine the burden this affliction caused for the average Israelite and his or her family—out of work for at least two weeks and maybe longer. Isolated from community and family and friends as well. The emotional toll as well as the shame associated with this plague must have felt like a tremendous burden upon the individual and his or her family. While we might recoil and the kind of ceremony described in this week’s portion with its bloody sacrifices and rituals—it is important to have a way to address the many layers of complex emotions that go along with disease and illness. And especially to have the individual re-enter society with a complete sense of recovery and integration back into the life of the community.

This is no different today for those who face serious illnesses or chronic disease. The burden upon a family structure can be enormous. When one partner faces a debilitating diagnosis such as cancer or MS there are many layers of complex emotions to deal with in addition to the disease. Some family and friends shun the ill person often causing tremendous isolation. “I don’t know what to say to him.” “I can’t possibly visit her in the hospital—they are just too scary a place.” Unfortunately, these are not uncommon responses.

There is shame and guilt of the ill individual as if somehow they are to blame for their disease when often it is simply a break down of the body and cells. And certainly, the yoke of financial pressures weigh down the family and the sick person as sick leave and vacation days are quickly used and health insurance may not cover the necessary treatments.

All of our Jewish communities could do a better job of helping those individuals and families re-enter the communal setting and help them get back to feeling aligned with God, family and friends.

That certainly was the focus of the ceremony as described in Leviticus this week—perhaps the ancients understood the necessity of helping weave that person back into the daily life of the Jewish people and their families. Perhaps we ought to think about how we might do this in our time.

Posted by Lee at April 12, 2005 11:51 AM