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The process of purifying a metzora involves taking two live birds and following a detailed procedure with each of them.  The Kohen slaughters one bird, while he sets the other bird free.  This procedure is unique to the concept of sacrifices, which previously had been applied only to offerings brought and sacrificed upon the Mizbayach, Altar.  This is indeed a radical concept that begs elucidation. Horav Baruch Halevi Epstein, zl, in his Tosefes Brachah gives a noteworthy explanation.  Until now, the victim was known as a tamei, impure person.  He was an outcast who was relegated to cry out, “Tamei,…

The phenomenon of the negaim, plagues, is a clear example of the cause and effect relationship between sin and punishment. Good deeds effect reward, and evil deeds bring retribution. Indeed, Chazal emphatically state that lashon hora, slanderous speech, directly causes tzaraas, leprosy. The metzora is relegated to living alone, away from people, as penance for his sins. He caused contention and rifts between people; therefore, he is separated from the community. Let him experience for himself the effect of his disparaging words. Let him see the hurt he has caused, the divisiveness and strife that his words have brought upon…

The verbal form “vhv,”, “shall be,” denotes unlimited future. This implies that the laws regarding the metzora’s purification process are not bound by time or the end of korbanos in the Bais Ha’mikdash. Indeed, the Rambam opines that the laws apply at all times. The absence of a Bais Ha’mikdash prevents us from offering sacrifices, but what about other aspects of the law? Are we to think that the “causes” of tzaraas have disappeared? We disregard any form of procedure regarding the tzaraas affliction, because we no longer have an authentic Kohen who can pronounce an individual tamei or tahor….