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Message from Rabbi Weinberg
The Ramban and the Sforno both comment that the appearance of Tzaraas on clothing and or houses occurs only under unique circumstances. It occurs only when the Jewish nation is in perfect accord with Hashem. That of course seems strange, and the question begs to be asked: if Bnei Yisroel is in perfect accord with Hashem, then should there really be a case of a person sinning to such an extent that his or her clothing and house is afflicted with Tzaraat? It seems counter indicated by the venue within which this facet of the affliction can occur! I would like to offer the following answer. Being in perfect accord with Hashem does not mean that man has to be perfect. What it does mean is that man must be open to change and growth. The fact is that Judaism is all about growth. Hashem knows that we are just people of flesh and blood. The expectation is not perfection, but rather that man should have a desire to strive for perfection and is committed to this process. When we are in this frame of mind, then Hashem is prepared to give us that extra reminder against things that we may do wrong. Depending on how severe a reminder one needs, a simple splotch on the skin may suffice, however, there are some who need a green or deep red sign on their shirt as a wake up call. The key is to be sensitive and receptive to the message, and to be open to change! This perhaps is the way to understand our first question, as well. These material objects may be plagued with Tzaraat simply as a means of helping the individual attain the perfection he strives for and seeks to attain, because depending on the individual, bodily affliction may not suffice. This message is important for educators, parents and children to understand. Life in general is a striving for perfection, and this process is one that Hashem recognizes and even assists us to achieve. Educators, too, need to be open to the fact that students need process, time and patience to grow properly. Only with such variables is growth possible. Without them it would be like planting a plant in dirt, full of nutrients and plenty of water, but keeping it in absolute darkness. Under these circumstances, the plant could never grow. Conversely, however, parents need to realize that there is process in a classroom setting, and professional educators generally make decisions looking at the whole child in the context of the class, and not in a vacuum. This important educational Yesod is essential for every student’s ultimate growth in the hallowed halls of our beloved school and critical for effective parent – teacher collaboration. I know I often talk about the wonderful partnership between staff and parents, but I really think it speaks to our collective resolve to strive for perfection and to recognize the variables that promote it. As we continue to work Lsheim Shomayim, both on a personal level and in the context of our children’s education, I look forward to the opportunities that the future may bring and watching our children flourish. With warmest wishes |
One of the fascinating aspects of the Tzaraat affliction mentioned in this week’s Parsha, Parshat Tazria, is that of the supernatural occurrence of this physical malady on material objects like clothing and houses. Its appearance on these possessions is quite enigmatic. Tzaraat is understood to be a punishment that befalls the sinner for his or her wrongdoing. Clearly the clothing has not done anything wrong, is unrelated to the sin itself, and in fact, might not have even been worn. Why then should such material objects also suffer the fate of the individual who has Tzaraat? What is the significance of this supernatural event?