The Gift of Tzaraas

Understanding the Multifaceted Nature of Tzaraas as a Punishment, Miracle, and Catalyst for Tikkun

Tzaraas was such a wonderful thing. The miracle of Tzaraas is a sign of the deep love that the Master of the World has for His people.

Rebbi Shimon ben Yochai taught: When the Bnei Yisrael gathered at Har Sinai and proclaimed “Na’aseh V’Nishma”, there was not a single individual among them with even a minor ailment or blemish. However, once they sinned, it was not long before Zavin and Metzoras appeared among them.¹

Tzaraas was Hashem’s way of letting us know that we were veering away from Him. Although this might seem punitive, it was, in fact, a miracle, as those who require punishment are rarely granted miracles.

Tzaraas provided a clarity, attainable only through miraculous means, as to how one needed to do a Tikkun and when.

Rav Ovadiah Seforno² explains that the laws of Tzaraas are a way for Hashem to warn Jewish people not to stray from His will. The fact that Tzaraas only affects Jews, and not non-Jews demonstrated that Hashem cares for the spiritual welfare of His Jewish subjects.…