Metzora parsha: To rehabilitate, one must take the first step | Commentary
The process of purifying the metzora (a person afflicted by a rare skin disease) is described in the portion of Metzora: “This shall be the law of the metzora in the days of his cleansing: he shall be brought to the priest [v’huva el hakohen]” (Leviticus 14:2).
In the next sentence, however, the priest is described as going out of the camp to the metzora: “v’yatza hakohen el mi’chutz la’machaneh” (14:3). But hasn’t the metzora already come to the Kohen?
Perhaps v’huva is not to be taken literally. It’s not that the metzora actually comes to the priest but that he feels within himself the readiness to be purified. In this spirit, the Shem mi’Shmuel argues that “only after the metzora has decided to bestir himself, to take positive action leading to repentance and purity, shall ‘the priest go forth out of the camp’ to purify him.”
The idea of spiritual readiness introduces an important lesson: Many in need seek help from God or professionals or friends, but little can happen until one is self-motivated to take the first step. This is true in virtually all areas of rehabilitation. Those who struggle with various addictions – drinking, gambling, drugs, eating disorders – can only turn matters around when they are personally ready to take action.
Note that the Talmud sees Channah as the prototype of how to pray (Berachot 31a). One wonders why the matriarchs were not considered suitable. In truth, the matriarchs never prayed on their own behalf – when they felt a need for prayer, they expected their husbands to pray for them (Rashi, Genesis 16:5; see as well Genesis 25:21, 30:1). Only Channah takes the initiative on her own (I Samuel 1:10–13). She therefore becomes our teacher as the paragon of prayer.
The Talmud tells the story of Elazar ben Durdaya. A sinner, he turned to the mountains and hills, the heavens and the earth, the moon and the sun, asking them to pray for him. They each responded that they were consumed with their own needs. In exasperation, he concluded, “The matter depends on nothing other than myself.” And God concurred (Avodah Zarah 17a).
His story may be the basis of the classic song “Sinnerman.” Sinnerman asks the rock, and then the sea, and then the sun for protection. They respond, “You need to help yourself.” Finally, Sinnerman turns to God, and the Lord says: “Sinnerman, you should have been a prayin’.”
And that is the message of v’huva. The metzora, racked with pain, feels an inner calling to rise up and help himself. Then, and only then, does the priest come forward so that purification can begin.
Candle lighting:
Metzora parsha
April 19th at 7:29 p.m.