Parashat Tazria: 'Tzara'at' and divine providence

• Published date: 12 April 2024
• Author: RABBI SHMUEL RABINOWITZ
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

The tzara'at in question is not a regular skin disease. It is merely a minor blemish on the skin. If the Torah had not singled out the metzora, he could have continued his normal life routine. The only reason the Torah refers to tzara'at as a disease is that it is considered a punishment for sin. In the Tosefta (a compilation of early rabbinic teachings), it is said: "Tzara'at comes only to the arrogant." If a person behaves arrogantly, pridefully, and corruptly, he is symbolically punished with the affliction of tzara'at, which requires him to undergo spiritual-moral purification

Signs of divine providence

One of the cases described in the Bible regarding tzara'at is read in the haftarah – a passage from the Prophets read in synagogue on Shabbat after the Torah reading. It is the story of Gehazi, the servant of the prophet Elisha.

In the Book of Kings, we read about a man named Naaman, who was the army commander of the kingdom of Aram; in addition, he was a metzora. The sages in the midrash Numbers Rabbah ask why Naaman was afflicted with tzara'at, and they answer: "Because he had a haughty spirit."

Tzara'at troubled Naaman, but he had no way to deal with the problem. An Israelite girl who was captured by the Arameans was in his house and advised him to turn to the prophet in the city of Samaria, none other than Elisha.

When Naaman came to Samaria, he turned to the king of Israel asking to be healed of his tzara'at, but the king was at a loss. He had no cure for Naaman's tzara'at.

When Elisha heard this, he sent for Naaman and instructed him to do something very simple: to immerse himself seven times in the Jordan River. By doing so, Elisha promised him, he would be healed of his tzara'at.

Naaman initially doubted Elisha's words but decided to try the advice; and, to his great surprise, he was indeed healed of his tzara'at.

Naaman returned to Elisha and wanted to give him gifts, but Elisha flatly refused. His purpose was for Naaman, the foreign army commander, to recognize the God of Israel and not think that the prophet was a sorcerer acting on his own. Indeed, Naaman accepted the message and declared to Elisha that from then on, he would worship only the God of Israel and not worship idols.

However, for Gehazi, who was Elisha's servant, it...