Parasha Summary
Parashat Metzora continues the laws of tumah (ritual impurity) and taharah (purification) introduced in Tazria, focusing on the metzora (one afflicted with tzara'at, often mistranslated as leprosy). The Torah details the purification process involving korbanot (sacrifices), cedar wood, scarlet thread, hyssop, and immersion. The parasha also addresses tzara'at affecting houses, requiring inspection by a kohen and potential demolition if contamination persists. A central theme is the spiritual dimension of tzara'at, traditionally linked to lashon hara (evil speech), emphasizing repentance and moral rectification. The parasha concludes with laws of bodily emissions, reinforcing the connection between physical purity and spiritual sanctity in Jewish life.
