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Leviticus 14:32 - Poor man's purification process

Leviticus 14:32 - ויקרא 14:32

Hebrew Text

זֹאת תּוֹרַת אֲשֶׁר־בּוֹ נֶגַע צָרָעַת אֲשֶׁר לֹא־תַשִּׂיג יָדוֹ בְּטָהֳרָתוֹ׃

English Translation

This is the Tora of him in whom is the plague of żara῾at whose means do not permit much for his cleansing.

Transliteration

Zot torat asher-bo nega tzara'at asher lo-tasig yado b'tahorato.

Hebrew Leining Text

זֹ֣את תּוֹרַ֔ת אֲשֶׁר־בּ֖וֹ נֶ֣גַע צָרָ֑עַת אֲשֶׁ֛ר לֹֽא־תַשִּׂ֥יג יָד֖וֹ בְּטׇהֳרָתֽוֹ׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
זֹ֣את תּוֹרַ֔ת אֲשֶׁר־בּ֖וֹ נֶ֣גַע צָרָ֑עַת אֲשֶׁ֛ר לֹֽא־תַשִּׂ֥יג יָד֖וֹ בְּטׇהֳרָתֽוֹ׃ {פ}

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Vayikra 14:32) is part of the Torah's detailed laws concerning tzara'at (often mistranslated as "leprosy"), a spiritual affliction manifesting as physical blemishes on skin, garments, or homes. This particular verse discusses the purification process for someone afflicted with tzara'at who cannot afford the standard offerings.

Explanation of the Text

The phrase "זֹאת תּוֹרַת אֲשֶׁר־בּוֹ נֶגַע צָרָעַת" ("This is the Tora of him in whom is the plague of tzara'at") establishes that the following laws apply specifically to one afflicted with this condition. Rashi (Vayikra 14:32) emphasizes that the Torah provides a structured process for purification, underscoring that even those with limited means are not excluded from achieving spiritual restoration.

Financial Hardship and Divine Compassion

The phrase "אֲשֶׁר לֹא־תַשִּׂיג יָדוֹ בְּטָהֳרָתוֹ" ("whose means do not permit much for his cleansing") highlights the Torah's sensitivity to financial limitations. The Rambam (Hilchot Mechusrei Kapparah 2:1-2) explains that the Torah offers a scaled-down offering (two birds instead of lambs) for those who cannot afford the standard sacrifices. This reflects the principle that Hashem desires repentance and purity to be accessible to all, regardless of wealth.

Spiritual Lessons from Tzara'at

  • The Talmud (Arachin 16a) teaches that tzara'at is a consequence of sins such as lashon hara (evil speech), arrogance, or stinginess. The purification process thus serves as both atonement and a lesson in humility.
  • The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 16:2) notes that the afflicted person must seek a Kohen's guidance, symbolizing the need for spiritual mentorship in repentance.
  • The reduced offering for the impoverished teaches that sincere repentance—not material wealth—is the essence of atonement (Sifra, Metzora 5:12).

Halachic Implications

The verse establishes a halachic precedent for adjusting religious obligations based on financial capability. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 249) later applies this principle to charity, ruling that one must give according to their means, but never beyond their capacity. This reflects the Torah's balance between spiritual ideals and practical compassion.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Nega'im 14b
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws concerning the purification process for someone afflicted with tzara'at (leprosy), particularly focusing on the financial limitations of the afflicted individual.
📖 Arakhin 16a
Referenced in a discussion about the varying levels of purification offerings based on the financial capacity of the person affected by tzara'at.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 14:32 mean?
A: Leviticus 14:32 discusses the laws of tzara'at (a spiritual skin affliction often mistranslated as 'leprosy') and specifies the purification process for someone who cannot afford the standard offerings. The Torah provides an alternative for those with limited means, showing G-d's compassion and ensuring everyone can achieve spiritual purity.
Q: Why is the Torah concerned about affordability in the purification process?
A: The Torah emphasizes that spiritual purity should be accessible to all, regardless of financial status. Rashi explains that this verse teaches that G-d values sincere repentance and humility over material wealth. The Torah adjusts requirements so that no one is excluded from returning to a state of tahara (ritual purity).
Q: What can we learn from Leviticus 14:32 today?
A: This verse teaches that Judaism values inclusivity and compassion. Just as the Torah made accommodations for those with limited means, we must ensure that mitzvot (commandments) and spiritual growth remain accessible to everyone. The Rambam (Hilchot Matnot Aniyim) expands on this principle, stressing the importance of helping others fulfill their religious obligations.
Q: How does tzara'at relate to modern times?
A: While tzara'at no longer manifests physically today, the Talmud (Arachin 16a) teaches that it was a spiritual affliction often caused by lashon hara (evil speech). The lesson remains relevant—we must guard our speech, repent for wrongdoing, and remember that spiritual purity is attainable through sincere effort, regardless of financial status.