5786/2026
“Zot Tihye Torat HaMetzora Beyom Taharato VeHuva El HaKohein,” this shall be the ritual for a leper (Metzora) at the time of being purified when it has been reported to the Kohein.
Following the reporting to the Kohein, the Torah has a detailed process of purifying a Metzora, which involves numerous steps. It is clear that many of these steps do not need to be done by the Kohein, but the Kohein only needs to determine whether the person needs to be purified and then do the actual sprinkling at the end. Yet, the Torah tells us that the other steps must be done at the Kohein’s direction.
A question arises: in general, we don’t require constant instruction and supervision in order to perform a mitzvah. A person is required to wear Tefillin. He purchases them and wears them. He doesn't need a Rabbi to oversee every step of the way. Why is the Metzora’s purification process any different? If the Kohein doesn't need to do everything, then why is he so central in the process? He should only be involved at the beginning and the end!
At its core, Tzaarat seems like a physical issue, but at its root, it is a spiritual one. Our Parasha is teaching us that although this matter has physical manifestations, we must still consult with a Kohein who will be our guide throughout the entire purification process. Instinctively, when we encounter a challenge the Rabbi may not be the first person we go to for guidance. This is a mistake. A Torah scholar can serve as a guide in all areas, even those that are not directly related to Judaism. In the context of our Parasha, the Kohein represents torah guidance.
People often reflect that to be a religious Jew in earlier times was much harder than it is today. Indeed, we have material comforts that were not even dreamed of a generation or two ago. But our generation has its own unique challenges. In ancient times, when someone had a spiritual deficit, they were given a clear physical sign. This sign led them to take action and go to an expert to heal and purify their soul. Today, we don’t have these signs, but we are surrounded by distraction and temptation everywhere we look. We have to acknowledge these challenges and work with our spiritual guides to keep on the proper path.