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,…
