Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Leviticus 13:39 mean?
A: Leviticus 13:39 discusses a skin condition where a person has dull white spots on their skin. According to the Torah, if a priest examines these spots and determines they are 'bohak' (a mild skin discoloration), the person is declared tahor (ritually pure). This is different from tzara'at (a more serious spiritual affliction), which would require quarantine or other measures.
Q: Why is this verse important in Jewish law?
A: This verse is important because it helps distinguish between serious skin afflictions (tzara'at) and harmless discolorations (bohak). The Torah assigns the kohen (priest) the responsibility to diagnose these conditions, emphasizing the spiritual and halachic (Jewish legal) implications of purity and impurity. Rashi explains that 'bohak' is not a disease but a superficial discoloration, so the person remains ritually clean.
Q: What can we learn from Leviticus 13:39 today?
A: We learn the importance of proper judgment and expertise in halachic matters. The Torah teaches that only a trained kohen could determine purity status, reminding us to consult knowledgeable rabbis for Jewish legal questions. Additionally, it highlights that not all physical irregularities have spiritual consequences—some, like bohak, are purely superficial.
Q: How does this apply to modern Jewish practice?
A: While we no longer have the Temple or kohanim performing these examinations, the principle remains relevant. Today, rabbis and poskim (halachic decisors) guide us in matters of ritual purity, health, and spirituality. The verse also teaches us not to hastily judge others based on external appearances, as not all conditions carry the same significance.
Q: What is 'bohak' according to Jewish tradition?
A: Bohak is a mild, non-contagious skin discoloration described in the Torah as dull white spots. Unlike tzara'at, which was often seen as a spiritual affliction requiring purification, bohak was considered harmless. The Talmud (Nega'im 1:4) and Rambam (Hilchot Tumat Tzara'at 1:6) clarify that it does not render a person impure and requires no special treatment.
Verse Context in Leviticus
The verse (Vayikra 13:39) discusses the priestly examination of skin discolorations to determine whether they render a person ritually impure (tamei) or pure (tahor). Here, the Torah describes a condition called bohak—a dull white discoloration—and declares the person clean.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Vayikra 13:39) clarifies that bohak is a benign discoloration, distinct from the more severe tzara'at (often mistranslated as "leprosy"). He notes that the phrase "כֵּהוֹת לְבָנֹת" ("dullish white") indicates a faded or weak whiteness, unlike the bright white of tzara'at.
Halachic Implications from Rambam
Rambam (Hilchot Tumat Tzara'at 1:6) rules that bohak is never impure, even if it spreads. This aligns with the verse's conclusion ("טָהוֹר הוּא"—"he is clean"). The distinction between bohak and tzara'at underscores that only specific discolorations with defined characteristics (e.g., depth, hair color changes) render impurity.
Symbolic Interpretation in Midrash
Midrash Tanchuma (Tazria 9) suggests that bohak represents superficial flaws that do not penetrate deeply, symbolizing minor moral failings that can be easily corrected. Unlike tzara'at—traditionally linked to lashon hara (evil speech)—bohak signifies transient imperfections requiring no isolation.
Key Takeaways from Talmudic Discussion