בס”ד
The weekly Torah portion, “Metzora,” discusses a skin affliction called Tzara’at (often translated as leprosy). The Metzora can become pure and return to normal life. However, beyond the simple meaning, there is a deep hint in the verse, “This shall be the law of the Metzora” (Leviticus 14:2). Our Sages in the Babylonian Talmud (Tractate Sanhedrin 98b) say something very surprising: one of the names of King Moshiach is “Metzora.” How is it that the greatest king ever, is called by such a name?
The explanation is, it refers to the state of Moshiach before the final redemption comes. During this period, even though Moshiach is active in the world, he is not yet revealed openly as the King. The verses describe his immense inner greatness (“Behold, My servant shall be wise, he shall be exalted and lifted up, and shall be very high” Isaiah 52:13). However, because he suffers with us, due to the pain of exile, he is called ‘Metzora’.
Chassidic teachings explain that the name ‘Metzora’ also hints at the nature of this illness. Tzara’at is an affliction that only affects the “skin of his flesh” – the outermost part of the body. It does not penetrate inwards to affect the core of the body or the flesh itself. This symbolizes a state where the inner essence, the core of the matter, is completely perfect. Looking at things from an inner perspective, the Metzora therefore symbolizes a highly elevated person, utterly perfect within, who has completely refined all the inner forces of his soul. All of his inner being is already pure.
This is precisely why Moshiach is called ‘Metzora’ in the Gemara. Everything is essentially already complete and ready for redemption! All that remains is to finish the process of refining the ‘skin’, the external part, and remove the final afflictions that are visible outwardly. The acceptance of the seven Noahide commandments is part of this process and part of the purification of the entire world. Therefore, there is immense importance to spread these universal commandments to all nations.
Over generations of exile, the inner essence of the Jewish people has been refined and purified completely. Even the most external levels are already clarified, refined, and corrected. The Metsora’s day of purification signifies the day of redemption, when all of Israel and the entire world will be completely purified and revealed in its full perfection.
Source: Likutei Sichos VOL. 22 Page 78, Tractate Sanhedrin 98b, Isaiah 52:13.
By Rabbi Moshe Bernstein
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