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And he shall call, “Unclean, unclean.” (13:45)

The metzora is spiritually contaminated.  He is to remain secluded from society, calling out to others not to come close to him. “Tamei, tamei,” he calls out, notifying people of his present state.  The Shelah Ha’Kadosh extends the interpretation of this pasuk by placing a “comma” between the first and second “tamei.”  The pasuk would now read, “V’tamei – tamei yikra.”  One who disparages others, who calls others tamei is generally projecting his own blemished character.  In other words, the model behind most lashon hora is none other than oneself.  He who has a character flaw will knowingly and unknowingly…

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On the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised. (12:3)

The mitzvah of Bris Milah, ritual circumcision, is unique in that it has been accepted throughout the generations with joy.  Our people have responded to the call of Bris Milah with mesiras nefesh – self sacrifice.  The imprint of the Bris Milah is a permanent imprimatur on the child, identifying him as a partner in the Covenant and a member of the Jewish Nation.  It is a sign that stays with the child throughout his entire life.  The circumcision is an event marked with pride and joy – regardless of the circumstances surrounding the event.  It is one mitzvah that…

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When a woman conceives and gives birth to a male, she shall be contaminated for a period of seven days. (12:2)

The laws regarding the human being are consistent with those dealing with all other creatures.  Rashi quotes the Midrash that notes that the creation of man mirrored the creation of animals and birds.  In connection with this, the Midrash cites the pasuk in Tehillim (139:5), “Achor vokedem tzartani,” “Behind and before You have fortified me.”  This pasuk can be read, “You have formed me,” employing the root word “yatzar“, creation, rather than “tzar” which means to fortify.  The latter term is a reference to human creation, which took place both before and after that of other creatures.  Man’s neshamah predated…

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