Audio & Notes for Parashat Tazriah-Metzora

Parashat Tazriah-Metzora - VaYikrah (Leviticus) 12:1-13:59; 14:1-15:33 - Haftarah Reading: Ii Kings 4:42-5:19; 7:3-20

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I. Introduction

A. The counting of the omer and ‘Cheshbon Nefesh'

1. Barley and wheat
2. Though the Bible records many instances of Yeshua instantly healing people's illnesses, we know of not even one instance in which he simply waved his hand to immediately fix an ugly habit for one of his disciples.
3. Human beings - Ma - Daber - The one who speaks

a. Transformation of the tongue

b. Purifying one's speech

B. Parashah Abbreviated Outline

1. The Parshahs of Tazria and Metzora continue the discussion of the laws of Tumah v'Taharah, ritual impurity and purity.
2. A woman giving birth should undergo a process of purification, which includes immersing in a mikvah (a naturally gathered pool of water) and bringing offerings to the Holy Temple. All male infants are to be circumcised on the eighth day of life.
3. Tzaraat ("leprosy") is a supra-natural plague, which can afflict people as well as garments or homes. If white or pink patches appear on a person's skin (dark pink or green in garments or homes), a Kohen is summoned. Judging by various signs, such as an increase in size of the afflicted area after a seven-day quarantine, the Kohen pronounces it tameh (impure) or tahor (pure).
4. A person afflicted with tzaraat must dwell alone outside of the camp (or city) until he is healed. The afflicted area in a garment or home must be removed; if the tzaraat recurs, the entire garment or home must be destroyed.
5. When the metzora ("leper") heals, he or she is purified by the Kohen with a special procedure involving two birds, spring water in an earthen vessel, a piece of cedar wood, a scarlet thread and a bundle of hyssop.
6. Ritual impurity is also engendered through a seminal or other discharge in a man, and menstruation or other discharge of blood in a woman, necessitating purification through immersion in a mikvah.

C. Review

1. Since the Torah is the word of G-d, who is infinite, it is itself infinite. Infinite in time, because it is eternally binding. Infinite in meaning, because every verse has innumerable layers of interpretation and significance. At the literal level (peshat) it contains laws and narratives; at the level of allusion (remez) it points obliquely to the deeper principles of Judaism; homiletically (drush) it outlines the religious ethic of the Jew; and esoterically (sod) it contains the clues to the mysteries of the experience of G-d
2. The restoration of the ‘dry bones ‘ - Ezekiel 37
3. Drawing near as a "living Korban  (sacrifice)."

   a. The word Korban literally means, "drawing near not sacrifice.

   b. Literally Vayikrah can be read as "When you draw near to God with a sacrifice bring your self as a sacrifice and in addition bring an animal or?

4. Playing with fire - Know before Who you stand! (Da Lifne Mi Atah Omed) - The sin of Nadav & Avihu - VaYikrah 10:1-9

D. The connection between various skin diseases and "Lashon HaRah" - evil speech -

E. Mildew /leprosy in a home - VaYikrah 14 :33-53

III Transformation of the tongue

A. The problem - Remember what the Lord God to Miriam along the way after you came out of Egypt- Dt 24:9; cp Nu 12:1- 16

1. Miriam spoke (and Aaron went along for the ride) - Dt.12: 1
2. The indirect attack on Moshe's judgment and ability to lead- Look at whom "Mr. Perfect" chose as a wife - Nu 12:1
3. People who know us well (Brothers and sisters) tend to exploit our weaknesses through hurtful words and attacking our integrity - Dt 12:2
4. Miriam was stricken with leprosy - Dt 12: 10
5. Miriam is not mentioned in a positive light in the Bible again

B. The remedy -

1. Don't defend yourself. Let God defend you Dt. 12-4-8; cp. I Sam. 24:12
2. I have never regretted a word that I have not spoken - Richard Wurmbrand 
3. TKN - Is it TRUE - KIND - NECESSARY - cp Php 4:4-9
4. God willing - no more empty promises - Jm 4:13-16

III. Conclusion

A. Cheshbon Nefesh - Barley and wheat

B. Transforming the tongue

C.  Loving life I Peter 3: 8- 12

D.  Who will ascend? - Psalm 24