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Leviticus 13:33 - Shave, but leave affliction untouched?

Leviticus 13:33 - ויקרא 13:33

Hebrew Text

וְהִתְגַּלָּח וְאֶת־הַנֶּתֶק לֹא יְגַלֵּחַ וְהִסְגִּיר הַכֹּהֵן אֶת־הַנֶּתֶק שִׁבְעַת יָמִים שֵׁנִית׃

English Translation

he shall be shaved, but the patch shall not be shaved; and the priest shall shut up him that has the patch seven days more:

Transliteration

Vehitgalach ve'et-hanetek lo yegalach vehisgir hakohen et-hanetek shiv'at yamim shenit.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהִ֨תְ<big>גַּ</big>לָּ֔ח וְאֶת־הַנֶּ֖תֶק לֹ֣א יְגַלֵּ֑חַ וְהִסְגִּ֨יר הַכֹּהֵ֧ן אֶת־הַנֶּ֛תֶק שִׁבְעַ֥ת יָמִ֖ים שֵׁנִֽית׃
וְהִ֨תְגַּלָּ֔ח וְאֶת־הַנֶּ֖תֶק לֹ֣א יְגַלֵּ֑חַ וְהִסְגִּ֨יר הַכֹּהֵ֧ן אֶת־הַנֶּ֛תֶק שִׁבְעַ֥ת יָמִ֖ים שֵׁנִֽית׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Torah and Halacha

This verse (Vayikra 13:33) is part of the Torah's detailed laws concerning tzara'at (often mistranslated as "leprosy"), a supernatural affliction that primarily served as a spiritual warning sign rather than a medical condition. The verse describes the procedure for a kohen (priest) to examine a suspected netek (a patch of hair loss that may indicate tzara'at).

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Vayikra 13:33) clarifies two key points:

  • "He shall be shaved" - The surrounding hair must be removed to properly examine the netek, as the Torah requires the kohen to see the skin clearly.
  • "But the patch shall not be shaved" - The actual affected area must remain untouched, as shaving it might obscure the signs needed for proper diagnosis.

Halachic Implications from Rambam

In Hilchot Tumat Tzara'at (9:4), Rambam rules that this shaving is a critical part of the examination process. He emphasizes that the kohen must personally oversee the shaving to ensure:

  • The surrounding hair is completely removed
  • The netek itself remains intact
  • The examination can proceed without obstruction

Spiritual Significance from Midrash

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 16:1) connects tzara'at to spiritual failings, particularly lashon hara (evil speech). The requirement to isolate the affected individual ("the priest shall shut him up") serves as:

  • A period for introspection
  • An opportunity to rectify wrongful behavior
  • A physical manifestation of the social isolation caused by harmful speech

Talmudic Analysis

The Talmud (Nega'im 10:2) discusses why the Torah specifies a second seven-day quarantine period:

  • Some cases require extended observation to determine if they are truly tzara'at
  • The dual period mirrors the creation process (two sets of seven days)
  • It allows for complete certainty before declaring someone ritually impure

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Nega'im 10:4
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws concerning leprosy (tzara'at) and the procedures the priest must follow when examining a patch (netek) on the skin.
📖 Sifra Tazria, Chapter 13
The verse is referenced in the midrashic interpretation of the laws of leprosy, emphasizing the priest's role in diagnosing and managing the condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 13:33 mean about shaving the patch?
A: Leviticus 13:33 discusses the laws of tzara'at (often mistranslated as 'leprosy'), a spiritual affliction. The verse states that a person with a suspicious patch on their skin must shave around it, but not the patch itself, so the priest (kohen) can observe it properly. Rashi explains that shaving around it helps determine if the affliction is spreading, which affects the purity status.
Q: Why does the priest isolate someone with a patch for seven more days?
A: The Torah requires a second seven-day quarantine (after an initial one) to carefully observe whether the patch changes. This demonstrates the seriousness of spiritual purity in Jewish law. The Rambam (Hilchot Tumat Tzara'at) explains that this waiting period ensures accurate diagnosis, as some skin conditions may resemble tzara'at but are temporary.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Leviticus 13:33 today?
A: This verse teaches the importance of patience and proper judgment. Just as the kohen waits to observe changes before declaring impurity, we must avoid rushing to conclusions about people or situations. The Talmud (Arachin 16a) connects tzara'at to lashon hara (harmful speech), reminding us to be cautious with our words and judgments.
Q: Why is the patch not shaved in Leviticus 13:33?
A: The patch itself must remain untouched so the kohen can examine its true nature. Shaving it might hide signs of impurity or healing. Rashi emphasizes that tampering with the patch would interfere with the divine laws of purity and impurity, which require clear evidence for the kohen's ruling.
Q: How does this verse relate to modern hygiene or health?
A: While tzara'at is primarily a spiritual condition (not a medical one), the Torah's quarantine laws show an early understanding of containment. The Sages teach (Vayikra Rabbah 16:1) that tzara'at comes as a wake-up call for self-improvement, reminding us that physical symptoms often reflect deeper spiritual needs for repentance and growth.