Parashat Tazria-Metzorah

Leviticus 12:1-15:33

2 Kings 4:42-5:19

2 Kings 7:3-20

Romans 6:9-23

Additional Related Readings

Luke 7:18-35

Luke 17:11-17

This week we have a double portion. The Parashat deals mainly with birth, impurity, skin afflictions and infections, clothes, homes and walls.

The main purpose is to show G-d's people must have separation from uncleanliness, so they do not walk in impurity or defile the Altar of G-d's Temple.

Though most of this Torah portion deals with purity and impurity, I am going to look more on the first readings in regard to giving birth.

It begins with the word Tazria, meaning when a women bears seed (childbirth ). When a women bears a child she and the child need protection. The mother is counted as ceremonially unclean for 7 or 14 days depending on the gender of the child, and subsequently 33 or sixty days of isolation to recover from childbirth.

Physically, Mom needs time to recover her health and strength. Spiritually, a time to focus on G-d's mercy and grace. A new babe needs time as well to gain strength and receive nurturing from Mom. This is a critical time for both Mom and child as they get to know each other. Mom, during this time, is to have help in household chores. No imposition is to be placed upon Mom during her time of isolation. Plenty of time for nurturing and focusing her time to her new child, where the child learns love, security, a sense of peace.

When we are born anew, G-d wants His people to be secure, to rejoice in His presence, His love, nurture, and protection.

Finally, a baby is to be reared in the Torah (law) of G-d and grow up in the knowledge that he/she is a member of the covenant that was given to Israel, starting with the promise to Abraham our father. If we believe and walk as Abraham and his children, then we too receive the covenant of peace and security.

Shavua Tov

Rabbi Z.

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