The Gift of Tzaraas

Understanding the Multifaceted Nature of Tzaraas as a Punishment, Miracle, and Catalyst for Tikkun

Tzaraas was such a wonderful thing. The miracle of Tzaraas is a sign of the deep love that the Master of the World has for His people.

Rebbi Shimon ben Yochai taught: When the Bnei Yisrael gathered at Har Sinai and proclaimed “Na’aseh V’Nishma”, there was not a single individual among them with even a minor ailment or blemish. However, once they sinned, it was not long before Zavin and Metzoras appeared among them.¹

Tzaraas was Hashem’s way of letting us know that we were veering away from Him. Although this might seem punitive, it was, in fact, a miracle, as those who require punishment are rarely granted miracles.

Tzaraas provided a clarity, attainable only through miraculous means, as to how one needed to do a Tikkun and when.

Rav Ovadiah Seforno² explains that the laws of Tzaraas are a way for Hashem to warn Jewish people not to stray from His will. The fact that Tzaraas only affects Jews, and not non-Jews demonstrated that Hashem cares for the spiritual welfare of His Jewish subjects. If a Jew violates these laws, he is given ample time to recognize his mistake and repent. However, if the majority of Jews were in a state of spiritual neglect, Tzaraas would no longer serve as a warning, as it would be futile to expect the afflicted to perceive it as a message from Hashem. Despite the prevalence of spiritual neglect, Hashem still hopes that a minority of Jews will be aware of their destiny and lead the way for others.

The giants of Mussar, Rav Yerucham Levovitz³ and Rav Avraham Grodzynsky⁴ elaborated on the nature of this miracle by explaining the essence of miracles in general. They explain that while one might assume they understand the distinction between day and night as a straightforward concept, a deeper exploration of the intricacies distinguishing the two, reveals that what was initially considered mundane is, in fact, miraculous. Similarly, a miracle enables an individual to perceive things differently and appreciate the complexity and wonder of life, recognizing that there is a larger context beyond natural occurrences.

This concept applies to Tzaraas as well. Typically a person does not have the symptoms of a Nega. Therefore when one developed the symptoms of Tzaraas, they were prompted to engage in introspection and consider whether Hashem was attempting to convey a message.

A miracle is Hashem’s way of telling us that He is there watching over us and running the show. It offers a gentle nudge to remain on the right path.

Rav Moshe Dovid Vali⁵ writes that the Shechina does not leave the person even when he is Tameh. Hashem wants to draw the person closer to Him and so He will not leave them isolated. Tzaraas, as a miracle, fosters a closer connection to Hashem by prompting introspection. Through this introspection, a person should realize that there is a sense of purpose and mission in this world,and appreciate the miraculous nature of life.

While we may not have Tzaraas any longer, and modern day illness may not necessarily signal that we need to do Teshuva, a deeper appreciation of the miracles of the natural world can still be cultivated. By doing this, we can show Hashem that we are realigned and deserving of the miracle of Tzaraas, should the need arise.

1. Vayikra Rabbah 18

2. Vayikra 13;47

3. Daas Torah - Metzorah

4. Toras Avraham- Nisayon V’Nes

5. Metzorah