2020/5780

A few weeks ago, I shared with my students a youtube clip of a shiur given by Rav Jonathan Sacks that connected the weekly Parashah (I believe it was Vayahkhel-Pekudei) with the unfortunate circumstances created by Covid-19. I was very encouraged by the reaction of one of my Talmidim when he noted how amazing the Torah is that the Parashat HaShavua always seems to connect to the events surrounding us. In this week’s Parashah the connection to our current situation is not hard to find.

The main topic of this week’s double Parashah is Tzaraat and the isolation a Metzora must experience. Unlike other people who are Temeim, the Metzora is not only prevented from accessing the Mishkan, but must sit outside of the entire camp of Israel until he is healed. Why is this an appropriate consequence for contracting Tzaraat?

The most well-known Aveirah associated with Tzaraat is Lashon Hara. This is quite evident from the episode of Miriam, who spoke Lashon Hara against Moshe Rabbeinu and was subsequently stricken with Tzaraat. As Lashon Hara is the most well-known Aveirah associated with Tzaraat, the question now arises of why isolation is an appropriate consequence for speaking Lashon Hara.

Often, Lashon Hara is spoken in the context of a casual conversation where the violator simply fails to consider the impact of his/her speech. Particularly in our generation, where speech has taken on so many different forms on social media and it is all too easy to comment or post something negative and damaging about others, we must realize the power of our words. Onkelos, Bereishit 2:7, famously defined the “Nishmat Chayim” (ibid) given to mankind as a “Ruach Memalela,” “a speaking spirit.” Our words are a defining characteristic of our humanity, and when used negatively, it is fitting that one loses the opportunity to communicate with others. Isolation forces the Metzora to sit in relative silence, reflecting on how he has misused his Nishmat Chayim, his Ruach Memalela.

Additionally, the Metzora’s isolation might be based on his failure to appreciate the value of authentic relationships. Rashi (VaYikra 13:46 s.v. Badad Yeisheiv) comments that the Metzora sits alone because his words damaged relationships, friendships, or families, and caused others to be alone. The only way the Baal Lashon Hara can come to value the meaning of  relationships is by feeling the pain of being completely disconnected. 

Although many differences exist between the Metzora’s isolation and our experience being stuck at home these past few weeks, there is no doubt that we, too, are being asked to re-evaluate the way we connect to one another. Despite the advantages of social media, many of which we are relying on to stay connected during this crisis, we have also been reminded of its shortcomings as so many of us feel alone without being in the physical presence of friends and family. Phones and computers have crippled so many in developing communication skills as well as meaningful relationships. A young Rabbi once visited Rav Eliyah Shteinman zt’l and asked him if he should accept the position of Rosh Kollel in a town that was very far away. Rav Shteinman asked him if his wife would have any family or friends in this location or if she would be lonely. The young Rabbi replied that she would be alright because she had a phone to call her friends or family. Rav Shteinman responded by asking him if he thought a Metzora, while isolated outside of the camp, would be allowed to call his friends. The young Rabbi thought for a moment and responded that he saw no reason as to why not. With that, Rav Shteinman said that if the Metzora, who must remain isolated, is allowed to call his friends, then clearly talking over the phone does not take away the experience of being all alone. May Hashem give us all the strength and health to overcome this challenge and to strengthen our relationships with our friends and family.