Parashat Metzora - First Aliyah

Parashat Metzora opens with the verses describing the purification ceremony of the metzora after he has healed from his affliction. This is a detailed, intricate process involving both symbolic rituals and sacrifices in the Temple.

Summary of the Aliyah

Beginning of the purification process (verses 1-3): The metzora is brought to the priest, who goes out to him outside the camp and examines whether he has healed from the tzara’at.

The bird ceremony (verses 4-7): If the metzora is pure, he must bring two live pure birds, cedar wood, hyssop, and crimson thread. One of the birds is slaughtered over living water, and the second bird along with the woods are dipped in its blood. The priest then sprinkles the metzora seven times and sets the live bird free.

The purification phase (verses 8-9): The metzora washes his clothes, shaves all his hair, bathes, and then returns to the camp but not to his home. He stays seven days outside his tent. On the seventh day he shaves again, including head, beard, and eyebrows, and bathes again to become pure.

On the eighth day (verses 10-12): He brings three sacrifices: two male lambs and one female lamb, along with three tenths of fine flour mixed with oil, and an additional log of oil. The priest stands him with the offerings at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting and waves the asham (guilt offering) with the log of oil as a wave offering.

Insight for the Weekly Parsha

Why specifically birds? Rashi (Leviticus 14:4) explains that tzara’at comes mainly because of lashon hara (malicious speech), and therefore the metzora’s purification uses birds, which constantly chatter and chirp, as a hint to the correction of speech. The hyssop, a lowly plant, contrasted with the tall cedar tree, also evokes the correction of arrogance and the return to humility.

Point for reflection: Sometimes only when a person steps “outside the camp,” into silence and contemplation, is he truly able to heal. And from there, he can return, purified and strengthened.