In this aliyah we conclude the laws of purification from tzara’at and move on to the laws of the zav, a person who experiences an unnatural discharge and is in a special state of impurity.
Conclusion of the Laws of Tzara’at
“Zot torat hatzara’at” (This is the law of the tzara’at). Verses 54-57 summarize all the laws of tzara’at: tzara’at on a person, netek on the head or beard, tzara’at on a garment, and tzara’at on a house.
The final words are: “Lehorot beyom hatame uveyom hatahor” (to instruct on the day of impurity and on the day of purity). The essence of the priest’s work: discerning between pure and impure, a delicate distinction that requires a sharp eye and a pure heart.
Laws of the Zav
A person who experiences a discharge, an unusual emission from the body, three times or continuously. Such a person becomes impure with a severe impurity. His bed and seat become impure, and anyone who touches him or what is beneath him also becomes impure.
Purification involves seven days of counting, bathing in living water, and on the eighth day bringing two turtledoves or two young pigeons, one for a chatat (sin offering) and one for an olah (burnt offering).
What is the message? To be purified from the impurity of zav, not only physical purification is required, but also spiritual atonement.
An Insight for Deeper Reflection
The zav symbolizes life flowing outside its proper framework. When the forces of life flow without control, that is impurity. Precisely the ability to restrain, to direct, and to consecrate, is holiness.
Connection to the Parsha
The zav, like the metzora, undergoes a journey of correction and purification. The Torah teaches us that there is no state of impurity from which one cannot emerge. There is always a way back, a path of purification, a path of atonement.
More Questions on the Parsha
More questions on this parsha are on the way. In the meantime, explore our daily Torah learning.