Rabbi Howard Morrison

Dear Congregational Family,

Two of the most challenging Torah portions for modern Jews are Tazria and Metzora, which we read as a unified double Parsha this Shabbat. Both portions deal with the physical malady called Tzaraat, translated as leprosy or hansen's disease. In Biblical times, this condition could afflict a person, one's clothing, even inside the foundations of one's home. In antiquity, the Kohen functioned as both spiritual healer and physical doctor. On both levels, the Kohen was to assess and treat the particular situation.

If a person was deemed to have contracted Tzaraat, he/she would be quarantined outside the camp for periods of seven days at a time until healing occurred and reintegration was possible. Over the last year plus, we know too well of being quarantined. Those who have overcome Covid know to slowly and carefully reintegrate into the larger community. 

It is ironic that this week's double Parsha takes place during the period of Yom Ha'Shoah, Yom Ha'Zikaron, and Yom Ha'Atzmaut. The Hebrew words for "the plague of leprosy/hansen's disease" are "Nega Tzaraat." Switching the sequences of letters, "Nega (plague)" can be read as "Oneg (joy)," and "Tzaraat (leprosy/hansen's disease)" can be read as "Atzeret (celebration)."

We pray for the day when all forms of "Nega Tzaraat" will end and be transformed into "Oneg Atzeret - joyful celebration." What a challenging week we have had in the contemporary Jewish calendar transitioning from Yom HaShoah to Yom Ha'Zikaron to Yom Ha'Atzmaut.

We pray for the day to come soon when the affliction of "Covid" will be transformed into the joyful Hebrew "Cavod," meaning honor. 

In the meantime, let us be diligent to staying well, paying honor to our healthy lives, and bringing honor to this Shabbat.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Howard Morrison