בס "ד

The story of the Leper described in our Torah portion (Leviticus 14:1-3) reveals a fundamental principle regarding the proper social order. Leprosy appears as a result of the sin of slander – a clearly antisocial behavior that harms community life. The Biblical punishment meted out to the leper is discoloration of the skin that shows impurity, and in addition, to go “outside the camp” and remain in complete isolation from human society for a while until he repent and purify himself again. This isolation is a direct result of his actions: whoever chooses to separate a person from his friend through evil speech finds himself physically separated from the community.

Maimonides emphasizes in his writings that man is a social being by nature, who always needs interaction with others. From this we learn the crucial importance of the community as a supporting and strengthening factor. A community is not just a technical framework for life, but an essential system that provides a person with spiritual and moral protection. This is why the leper who acted against the society by evil speech, is isolated for a while as a punishment. The obligation for Noahides to maintain a rectified society, includes, among other things, refraining from evil tongue.

In light of this, all Noahides should strive for communal belonging. Belonging to a group with shared values ​​is an essential tool for progressing along the path of the Seven Noahide Commandments. This in itself is helpful in spreading the Seven Commandments on a larger scale. In a reality where a physical community may be inaccessible, the Holy One, blessed be He, has “provided medicine before the wound” through the technological tools of our time, which enable joining an active virtual Noahide community.

There is a Hasidic parable about trees growing in a dense forest: because they grow together, they always reach upward, remaining straight and upright without leaning sideways. In contrast, a tree that grows in isolation often tends to slant to the side. The lesson is that when a person is part of a community of Noahides, they are supported in growing together ‘straight’.

The words of the prophet (Isaiah 40:6), “Every one shall help his neighbor, and every one shall say to his brother, ‘Be strong,’” express the essence of collaboration and community existence. Belonging to a framework where people support and strengthen each other provides strength that cannot be achieved in isolation. Noahides should recognize the importance of connecting with others and act proactively to become an integral part of the Noahide community dedicated to serve G-d. This would be the preparation for the Messianic era where this prophetic verse will be fulfilled: “Let all call on the name of G-d, and let them serve Him with one accord” (Zephaniah 3:9)..

Por el rabino Moshe Bernstein

Source: Leviticus 14:1-3. The Guide for the Perplexed part 2 40. Isaiah 41:6. Zephaniah 3:9.





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