Tazria – Page 5 – Peninim on the Torah

He is to call out, “Impure, Impure!” (13:45)

Rashi explains that the reason for the declaration, Tamei!, Tamei!, is that it is a benefit for others, warning them not to come in contact with the spiritually defiled metzora. In the Talmud Shabbos 67a, Chazal explain that when he notifies the “world” that he is tamei, people will hopefully take pity and pray for him. While it is clearly commendable, how do Chazal derive from the words, Tamei, Tamei, Yikra that the metzora should encourage others to pray for him? It makes more sense that these words are a warning, so that people will not err and come in contact…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Tazria, 5770

“When a woman conceives and gives birth to a male.” (12:2)

Presenting various perspectives on the human condition, the Midrash cites the pasuk in Tehillim (139:5), “Back and front You have fashioned me,” as referring to human life. “Back” refers to the last day of Creation, while “front” refers to the beginning of Creation. If man is worthy and leads a life of virtue, he is told, “You preceded creation,” since it was all created for him. If he sins and is, consequently, found to be unworthy, he is told, “Even a gnat preceded you; even an earthworm preceded you.” Why really was man created last – after all other creatures?…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Tazria, 5770

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

The mitzvah of Milah, circumcision, leaves an indelible mark on a Jew, one that is with him throughout his life. It is a mitzvah which connects generations, since one’s father is obligated to make sure that his son is circumcised. It is a rite of passage for a Jew, a mitzvah for which Jews throughout the millennia have died. Many stories demonstrate the Jew’s commitment to this special mitzvah. The following is a very poignant story, which demonstrates not only Jewish resolve, but Jewish commitment under the most trying circumstances. Horav Arye Levin, z.l., was accustomed to go to shul…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Tazria, 5770

“He must dwell in solitude, his dwelling shall be outside of the camp.” (13:46)

One would think that enough has been said and written about lashon hara, slanderous speech. Everyone knows what it is, the seriousness of this sin and the tragic effect it has on those involved. Yet, this does not seem to prevent the baal lashon hara, slanderer, from plying his trade. Is there anything left to be said that might have an effect on the baal lashon hara? There might be. As punishment for the baal lashon hara’s evil words, he is sent away from the community to live in solitude until that day that his tzaraas, spiritually inflicted leprosy, is…

Home -> 5769 -> Tazria

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Tazria, 5769

“When a woman conceives and gives birth to a male.” (12:2)

Presenting various perspectives on the human condition, the Midrash cites the pasuk in Tehillim (139:5), “Back and front You have fashioned me,” as referring to human life. “Back” refers to the last day of Creation, while “front” refers to the beginning of Creation. If man is worthy and leads a life of virtue, he is told, “You preceded creation,” since it was all created for him. If he sins and is, consequently, found to be unworthy, he is told, “Even a gnat preceded you; even an earthworm preceded you.” Why really was man created last – after all other creatures?…

Home -> 5769 -> Tazria

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Tazria, 5769

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

The mitzvah of Milah, circumcision, leaves an indelible mark on a Jew, one that is with him throughout his life. It is a mitzvah which connects generations, since one’s father is obligated to make sure that his son is circumcised. It is a rite of passage for a Jew, a mitzvah for which Jews throughout the millennia have died. Many stories demonstrate the Jew’s commitment to this special mitzvah. The following is a very poignant story, which demonstrates not only Jewish resolve, but Jewish commitment under the most trying circumstances. Horav Arye Levin, z.l., was accustomed to go to shul…

Home -> 5769 -> Tazria

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Tazria, 5769

“He must dwell in solitude, his dwelling shall be outside of the camp.” (13:46)

One would think that enough has been said and written about lashon hara, slanderous speech. Everyone knows what it is, the seriousness of this sin and the tragic effect it has on those involved. Yet, this does not seem to prevent the baal lashon hara, slanderer, from plying his trade. Is there anything left to be said that might have an effect on the baal lashon hara? There might be. As punishment for the baal lashon hara’s evil words, he is sent away from the community to live in solitude until that day that his tzaraas, spiritually inflicted leprosy, is…

Home -> 5768 -> Tazria

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Tazria, 5768

“When a woman conceives and gives birth to a male.” (12:2)

Presenting various perspectives on the human condition, the Midrash cites the pasuk in Tehillim (139:5), “Back and front You have fashioned me,” as referring to human life. “Back” refers to the last day of Creation, while “front” refers to the beginning of Creation. If man is worthy and leads a life of virtue, he is told, “You preceded creation,” since it was all created for him. If he sins and is, consequently, found to be unworthy, he is told, “Even a gnat preceded you; even an earthworm preceded you.” Why really was man created last – after all other creatures?…

Home -> 5768 -> Tazria

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Tazria, 5768

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

The mitzvah of Milah, circumcision, leaves an indelible mark on a Jew, one that is with him throughout his life. It is a mitzvah which connects generations, since one’s father is obligated to make sure that his son is circumcised. It is a rite of passage for a Jew, a mitzvah for which Jews throughout the millennia have died. Many stories demonstrate the Jew’s commitment to this special mitzvah. The following is a very poignant story, which demonstrates not only Jewish resolve, but Jewish commitment under the most trying circumstances. Horav Arye Levin, z.l., was accustomed to go to shul…

Home -> 5768 -> Tazria

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Tazria, 5768

“He must dwell in solitude, his dwelling shall be outside of the camp.” (13:46)

One would think that enough has been said and written about lashon hara, slanderous speech. Everyone knows what it is, the seriousness of this sin and the tragic effect it has on those involved. Yet, this does not seem to prevent the baal lashon hara, slanderer, from plying his trade. Is there anything left to be said that might have an effect on the baal lashon hara? There might be. As punishment for the baal lashon hara’s evil words, he is sent away from the community to live in solitude until that day that his tzaraas, spiritually inflicted leprosy, is…

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He is to call out, “Impure, Impure!” (13:45)

“When a woman conceives and gives birth to a male.” (12:2)

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

“He must dwell in solitude, his dwelling shall be outside of the camp.” (13:46)

“When a woman conceives and gives birth to a male.” (12:2)

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

“He must dwell in solitude, his dwelling shall be outside of the camp.” (13:46)

“When a woman conceives and gives birth to a male.” (12:2)

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

“He must dwell in solitude, his dwelling shall be outside of the camp.” (13:46)

YEARS

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