Parashat Metzora - Seventh Aliyah

The seventh aliyah concludes the complex sequence of laws of Parashat Tazria and Metzora, bringing us to the height of the idea of purity of the body and of the camp.

Conclusion of the Zavah’s Purification

On the eighth day after counting seven clean days, the zavah (woman who had the abnormal discharge) brings two turtledoves or two young pigeons: one as a chatat (sin offering) and one as an olah (burnt offering). The priest offers them at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting, and thus he atones for her before Hashem.

A General Warning

“Vehizartem et bnei Yisra’el mitum’atam velo yamutu betum’atam betam’am et mishkani asher betokham” (You shall separate the children of Israel from their impurity, so that they not die in their impurity when they defile My Sanctuary that is among them).

The verse emphasizes the importance of guarding the holiness of the camp. The people of Israel are required to exercise great care in matters of impurity, not only because of personal danger, but because of the effect on the Sanctuary and the Shekhinah dwelling among them.

Summary

“Zot torat hazav” (This is the law of the zav). The closing verses summarize all the laws: zav, one who has had a seminal emission, niddah, zavah, and a man who lies with a niddah.

An Insight for Life

In these parshiyot we learn that impurity is not a sin, but a state that requires sensitivity, awareness, and preparation for the holy. The climax comes in the warning: if we are not careful in matters of impurity, we harm the Shekhinah that is within us. The Sanctuary is not only in Jerusalem, but in each one of us.