by Rabbi Moshe P. Weisblum
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are that of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the Union for Traditional Judaism, unless otherwise indicated.
This commentary originally appeared in 2016 in the Baltimore Jewish Times.
We are coming to a window of time in the Jewish calendar that is filled with religious, historical and emotional significance. We have just begun the counting of the Omer, the seven weeks between Pesach, the time of the Exodus, to Shavuot, the granting of the Torah on Mount Sinai. This Shabbat, on which we bless the new Hebrew month of Iyar, we find ourselves between Yom HaShoah(Holocaust Remembrance Day), Yom Hazikaron (Israeli Memorial Day) and Yom Ha’Atzmaut (Israeli Independence Day).
This is a time of great personal impact. If we understand the message of this week’s Torah portion, we can effect positive change both in ourselves and in the world around us.
This week’s biblical chapter, Tazria-Metzora, tells us about the laws pertaining to a person, known as a Metzora, who has a skin condition called Tzara’at (often loosely translated as “leprosy”). On the surface, the value of this parsha for us as modern Jews is not immediately clear. Ancient laws about dermatology and physiology do not seem to be overtly relevant to us. Yet we know that the Torah always gives us practical insights that we can apply to our own lives. Since that is the case, what do the laws of the Metzorahave to say to us?
First of all, Tzara’at was a physical disease that had a spiritual connection to lashon Hara, speaking negatively about others. Since G-d intended the gift of speech to be used mainly for good, using offensive language could bring about harmful consequences. In the Bible, the inner effects of this transgression manifested externally—first on a person’s house, then on one’s clothes, and eventually on one’s own body.
When this happened, the person was obligated to spend time outside the walls of the city. This physical isolation, like a quarantine, halted the spread of Tzara’at to other people. Separating from the community was also a chance to rectify the spiritual ramifications of talking ill of others—a kind of “time out” from daily life to chart a fresh start.
Any parent knows that when a child breaks a rule, there needs to be a fitting consequence. Many parents use “time-outs” in order to give a child a chance to quietly reflect on his or her behavior before calmly returning to the company of the rest of the family. TheMetzora was similarly given this opportunity to think about his actions and how he should correct and improve himself. Once a kohen Gadol (high priest) declared him to be pure again, he was then welcomed back into the community.
G-d, like a parent, makes rules that require people to deal respectfully with each other and that promote the development of higher morals, so that we will enjoy healthier and more meaningful lives. G-d establishes guidelines and boundaries—and also provides consequences when these lines are crossed or overlooked. Yet, the Almighty in his infinite wisdom provides a path open to us for doing Teshuva and returning to the good.
In Parshat Tazria-Metzora, we also find the basis for the ritual of mikvah, which is a time honored foundation of Jewish marriages. Interestingly, the laws of mikvah (also known as family purity) center on the theme of treating others with dignity, and provide another type of “time-out” that helps to foster intimate behavior.
The benefits of mikvah can be an essential key to peace in the home. Husbands and wives are given times to be romantically close, as well as “time out” to reflect on their relationship and connect as platonic friends. This cycle of separation and reunion may help to keep passion alive and strengthen the bond. Based on Torah teachings, mikvah immersion in water is considered like a “spiritual spa”. It can purify the soul and add to the continuity of future generations. For these reasons, after thousands of years, mikvah remains a valuable ritual of Jewish life everywhere.
The wisdom of our heritage helps us to reach our spiritual potential. That which is positive—conducive to a purer mind, body, and spirit—is associated with the force of life, and is recommended. We are given clear advice to help us relate to ourselves, to others, and to G-d in a unique way.
When we respect the boundaries G-d has given us as a guide for a life of good deeds, we create trusting friendships and harmonious families. Hopefully, this holiness and peace will ultimately extend to the rest of humanity. Shabbat Shalom.
Enjoying UTJ Viewpoints?
UTJ relies on your support to promote an open-minded approach to Torah rooted in classical sources and informed by modern scholarship. Please consider making a generous donation to support our efforts.
Born in Sde Ya’akov, Israel, Rabbi Moshe Pinchas Weisblum, PhD is a 14th generation rabbi in his family's dynasty of rabbinical leaders. His great grandfather was the famous Tzadik Rabbi Elimelech Weisblum of Lizhensk, Poland, one of the great founding Rebbes of the Chasidic movement and author of the brilliant book of commentary on the Torah: Noam Elimelech. His grandfather (from his father's side) was the well known Zidichov Rebbe - Rabbi Ya’akov Yitzchak Weisblum. He is the son of renowned scholar, former Rosh Yeshiva of Sde Ya’akov and the Rabbi of Neve Sha'anan neighborhood in Haifa for over 50 years - Rabbi Chaim Naftali Weisblum, and the grandson (from his mother's side) of the famous Kabbalistic master and author, Rabbi Yehuda Zvi Brandwein.
Rabbi Moshe P. Weisblum studied at Yeshivat Torat Emet, Haifa, from 1968 to 1976, at Yeshivat Itri from 1976 to 1978, and was a student at Yeshivat Ohr Etzion from 1978 to 1980.
In early 1981, he volunteered for the elite paratrooper unit in the Israeli Defense Forces. He completed extensive courses and received a medal and commendation at the end of the Israeli-Lebanese War. He finished his military career as a commissioned officer in the army with the rank of Major.
Rabbi Weisblum earned a Masters Degree in Public Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University, New Jersey, and earned a PhD in Philosophy from Baltimore Hebrew University. He also had an aptitude for computer skills, in networking, earning an A+ certification. Further, he was awarded the Sidney Breitbart Prize in Jewish philosophy from Baltimore Hebrew University in 2005.
Rabbi Weisblum was also a consultant to the media, since 1991.He was on a TV interview, channel 12-talk show, cable TV channel 54 –commentator on social and political issues. He was interviewed on the radio many times, regarding political and religious analysis and consulted on Middle Eastern affairs to Washington D.C.
He is a member of the New York Board of Rabbis, New Jersey Board of Rabbis, Union of Traditional Judaism, and Morasha Rabbinic fellowship.
Rabbi Weisblum has published a number of books including "Table Talk Biblical Questions and Answers" and "Ruth Talk", which is loaded with questions and answers on the Book of Ruth. In 2007, his book "The Hermeneutics of Medieval Jewish Thoughts Understanding the Linguistic Codes of Rashi and Nachmanides" was published by the Edwin Mellen Press. A review of this book can be found on the Mellen Press Web site.
Rabbi Weisblum is an accomplished musician as well. His album Heartfelt Melodies is available on Amazon and his popular YouTube channel features close to 3000 videos including Daf Yomi, Torah and Haftarah cantillation, lectures, music videos, and more.
Rabbi Weisblum is blessed with five children and eleven grandchildren and serves as a spiritual leader, lecturer and University Professor.