2020/5780
In Parashat Tazria, we learn that someone who has Tzaraat has to publicize his status of impurity, “VeTamei Tamei YiKra,” “And he shall call out ‘Impure! Impure’” (Vayikra 13:45). The Gemara (Moed Katan 5a) explains that the first proclamation of Tamei was to spread awareness of his disease and ask others to pray for him, while the second Tamei would warn them not to get too close. The Kotzker Rebbe understands this a little bit differently by putting a comma after the first Tamei. Now, the statement reads: “Tamei, Tamei Yikra,” “The impure person calls out [to other people] and says that they are, in fact, the unholy ones.”
We can understand this point with a Mashal. An elderly man once went to his doctor and said, “I think my wife is going deaf.” The doctor responded, “So how serious is this?” The man said, “I don’t know, she’s just not hearing me.” The doctor responded, “Well, why don’t you call out to her when her back is turned, and see how close you have to get before she hears you.” Thus, when the man returned to his home, he stood well behind his wife and called out, “What’s for dinner tonight?” No answer. He came a few steps closer, “What’s for dinner tonight?” No answer. A few steps closer, no answer. Until eventually he stood just behind her and called out, “What’s for supper tonight?” This time she turned around and shouted at him, “Pizza! as I’ve already told you five times!”
Sometimes we project the blame on others when it is us who are actually at fault because it is easier and more comfortable for us. When we read this week's Parasha, we must understand the broader message of the Parasha. We must learn to look within, not to take the easy way out, but work through the grit, and take the embarrassment head-on. Parashat Tazria teaches that it is only through self-reflection, however difficult it may be, that we can improve and emerge better than before. In regards to this global pandemic, it is easy to blame others. The challenge, however, is fixing anything that we have done incorrectly, to come out of this stronger than ever.