By Arielle Bouhadana
Censorship Editor
This week’s parasha begins with the description of the purification process for a person who became impure because of Tz’araat, a skin condition which is a direct result of a person’s misconduct. Because he engaged in lashon hara, his own body is affected. After the kohen determines him to be impure, he is told to go outside the camp and live alone, distant from others. As Chazal explains: “Since he created separation among others, he is forced to live alone”.
Later, a kohen comes outside beyond the camp limits and inspects his body to see if his skin is healed or not. But how does this make sense? Usually, a kohen is not allowed to risk becoming impure himself. If he becomes impure, he may not serve in the mikdash for the duration of his impurity, conflicting with his primary mission in life. It is likely that impure objects will be located in the place where the person afflicted with Tz'araat stays. And yet, the kohen makes an exception and goes out to help this person.
The kohen’s conduct is an example for us in our own lives. It is obvious that our interpersonal relationships should not be imbued with negativity, but should instead feature harmony and love. However, the kohen teaches the extent of the commitment we must make to our relationships. These efforts are necessary even when there is a risk to our own personal selves, even when it potentially risks our own spiritual state. Even though we may be prevented from entering the mikdash as a result, we have to do all we can to enable another person to attain purity and help him resume healthy social relations with his family and friends. This theme of outreach between Am Israel is intrinsically related to our shared life mission of speeding up the Geula process. It can only occur when its path is pursued by mankind as a whole. It is not enough that a person seek out personal refinement and aim to reach spiritual heights. The Beit Hamikdash will not be rebuilt because one individual attains spiritual elevation. Instead, this milestone will only be reached when the entire nation is united in their motivation, collectively devoting themselves to their godly purpose. Even motivating one fellow family member or friend can make a world of a difference for Am Israel as a whole.
Shabbat shalom :)
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