In this pasuk, the Torah uses the word urcs in the plural form. In contrast, the Baal Ha’Turim notes that regarding the laws of negaim, plagues, the Torah does not use the word, urcs in the plural form. The distinction implies that Aharon was excluded from transmitting the laws of negaim to Bnei Yisrael. He asserts that Aharon’s involvement in the sin of the Golden Calf precluded his ability to teach the laws of negaim since the Golden Calf was the precursor of the negaim which were to strike Bnei Yisrael as punishment for their treasonous worship.
This explanation is perplexing. Does not the metzora go to the kohen to render a decision regarding whether his leprosy is tamei, contaminated ? Why then is the kohen permitted to serve as the rofeh, healer, who helps the metzora return to the community, while he is not allowed to impart the laws of tzaraas ?
Horav Chaim Elazary, z.l., offers an insightful observation. When people study the laws of tzaraas from the kohen, they will be bothered by the fact that Aharon Ha’Kohen was involved in a sin which caused negaim. The standard that people set concerning who may teach them and from whom they are inclined to learn may be unreasonably high. On the other hand, it may be self-serving. We will look for every excuse to justify not accepting the lesson the rebbe is teaching us. When we go to a physician to be healed, however, our readiness to accept help is less conditional. Our concern regarding a physical ailment renders us prepared to accept help from any qualified individual. If we would only realize that the person who is teaching us Torah is similarly providing a therapy for all of our ills, our attitude would be transformed.
