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A THOUGHT ABOUT PARSHAT METZORA 5785
The Healing of Lashon Hara: The Leper’s Purification Ritual as a Life Lesson
In Leviticus 14:1-7, the purification ritual for the leper is described. This ritual contains much symbolism, offering deeper lessons for our handling of language and the combating of lashon hara (evil or harmful speech). Though the ritual may initially seem strange, the actions and symbols within it can serve as a guide for promoting pure and ethical speech in our daily lives.
The Ritual of the Two Birds
The priest examines the leper and confirms the healing, after which the purification ritual begins. Two birds are used, along with cedar wood, crimson thread, and hyssop. One bird is slaughtered over a vessel of pure water, while the other bird is sprinkled with the blood of the slaughtered bird and then released. This ritual symbolizes the purification of both body and soul.
The symbolism of the birds is particularly significant. Rashi explains that the birds must be healthy and free from disease, as this emphasizes the purity of the ritual (Rashi on Leviticus 14:4). This can be seen as a parallel to lashon hara: just as the bird must carry no disease, our words must be free of the “disease” of slander and gossip.
Furthermore, the birds must be of the same species. Ramban explains that the birds not only need to be of the same species but also of similar size and value. This symbolizes equality and balance. The priest must not only cleanse the leper physically, but also help him or her adopt a balanced and humble attitude (Ramban on Leviticus 14:4).
Lashon Hara and the Chattering of Birds
In Jewish tradition, the chattering of birds is often seen as a metaphor for lashon hara, harmful speech. In Midrash Tanchuma (Metzora 8:2), the chattering of birds is specifically associated with lashon hara, as it symbolizes the spreading of harmful, unfounded words. Just as birds chatter incessantly, people in their conversations often make harmful or unfounded remarks that can hurt or destroy others. Just as the leper becomes physically ill from their sins, particularly sins of slander, lashon hara can make a person’s soul “sick.” The leper’s purification ritual reminds us that cleansing our language of harmful speech is essential for spiritual healing.
The bird that is slaughtered represents the damage our words can cause. The other bird, which is set free, symbolizes the release from the damage our words have caused. The ritual reminds us that we must take responsibility for the words we speak and that we can restore the damage we cause by purifying our words and bringing them back into balance.
The Symbolism of the Cedar and Hyssop
The symbolism of the cedar and hyssop plays a crucial role in this ritual. The cedar wood is associated with majesty, strength, and pride, while hyssop is a humble and modest herb. Ibn Ezra explains that the cedar is the greatest of trees, and hyssop is the smallest, symbolizing the balance between greatness and humility. This emphasizes the need to balance both our words and our behavior, especially in our relationships with others (Ibn Ezra on Leviticus 14:4).
Midrash Tanchuma (Chukat 14:2) further explains that the cedar, associated with pride, reminds us of the dangers of arrogance and pride, as seen in the story of King Uzziah in 2 Chronicles 26:16, where his arrogance led to him being struck with leprosy. The use of hyssop, the smallest plant, symbolizes the need for humility in order to receive healing. This is a powerful lesson for us in our handling of lashon hara: we must shed our pride and be humble in our words, for only humility allows us to truly heal from the damage we can cause with our language.
The Importance of Ethics and Speech
Rabbi Alshich explains in his commentary on Leviticus 14 that the ritual of the leper is not only about physical purification, but also spiritual purification. The ritual teaches us that the purification of lashon hara begins with repentance, humility, and seeking forgiveness. The cleansing of the leper symbolizes the purification of the sins of gossip, which often stem from arrogance and pride (Rabbi Alshich on Leviticus 14).
According to the Talmud, lashon hara is often seen as the source of much destruction in a community. It breaks relationships, causes harm, and can even lead to disease. The leper’s ritual reminds us that we must always be vigilant over the words we speak and that we must purify ourselves from harmful language. Rabbi Alshich refers to the five categories of speech according to Maimonides, emphasizing that the most elevated form of speech is that which is connected to the Torah and the commandments (Rabbi Alshich on Leviticus 14; Maimonides, Mishneh Torah).
The five categories of speech can be ordered as follows, from the most elevated to the most harmful:
- Torah and Commandments – Speech aimed at studying the Torah and fulfilling commandments. This is considered the highest and most elevated form of speech, as it directly contributes to spiritual growth and fulfilling God’s will.
- Praising Virtues and Criticizing Vices – Speech aimed at praising good qualities or criticizing bad qualities. This form of speech can be constructive, as it helps others recognize their virtues or improve their vices.
- Telling Events – Speech that is true, but often does not add meaning or is not necessary in context. It can sometimes be neutral, but has little value for spiritual or ethical improvement.
- Everyday Conversations – Speech that pertains to daily matters such as food, work, and other non-spiritual topics. While this is not harmful, it has little influence on spiritual progress and may lead to unconscious waste of time and energy.
- False Testimony and Gossip – Speech that is harmful to others through false accusations or gossip. This is the lowest and most destructive form of speech, as it damages the reputation of others, destroys relationships, and causes spiritual harm by spreading falsehoods.
The ritual teaches us that words, like the healing of the leper, can have profound effects. By purifying our words of lashon hara, we can experience both physical and spiritual healing.
Conclusion: The Path to Healing Lashon Hara
The purification ritual for the leper offers valuable lessons about the use of language and the power of words. The two birds, cedarwood, and hyssop are powerful symbols that remind us to cleanse our language of the diseased influence of lashon hara. The healing of the leper is not only a physical process, but a spiritual one of humility, repentance, and responsibility for our words.
By applying the lessons of this ritual, we can contribute to a society where we build one another up with careful and positive speech, and where the harmful influence of lashon hara can be healed.
By Angelique Sijbolts
With thanks to Rabbi Tani Burton for the feedback
Sources:
• Leviticus 14:1-7
• Rashi, Ibn Ezra, Ramban, and Rabbi Alshich on Leviticus 14
• Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Metzora 8:2
• Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Chukat 14:2
• Maimonides, Mishneh Torah, Hilchot De’ot
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