开云体育SEFER SHMIRAS HALOSHON? The Metzora’s Cry ? Zohar (Parashas Metzora) states: The prayer of one who speaks loshon hora will not come before the Holy One, Blessed is He, for a ruach tamei (impure spirit) hovers over it. When he repents, and [sincerely] accepts upon himself the [various aspects of] repentance, then what is written of him? “On the day of his purification, he shall be brought before the Kohen” (Vayikra 14:2).1 ? The above lends added clarity to the Torah’s instruction that the metzora (one who is afflicted with tzaraas for having spoken loshon hara2) call out to those who pass by, “[I am] contaminated, contaminated!” (ibid.13:45) so that they will pray for him. Since his own prayers will not be accepted Above, the Torah therefore advises him to request that others pray on his behalf. ? Scripture declares: “Take note of God’s work! For who can straighten what he has twisted?” (Koheles?7:13). We can interpret this as follows: Take note of God’s work! Ponder well the Heavenly fruits of a Jew’s prayer on this earth: prayer can radiate spiritual light and create exalted edifices in the Upper Worlds. Ensure, then, that your prayers be uttered with proper readiness, and by a mouth that is pure and unsullied by sin. For who can straighten what he has twisted? If one’s prayer will be lacking, then its spiritual products in the Upper Worlds will be lacking as well. This will bring eternal distress to one’s soul, for these are not earthly structures, which can be repaired or improved by a second craftsman. ? As Hillel declared: “If I am not for myself, who will be for me?” (Avos?1:14). Only the person himself has the power to correct his past mistakes — through proper repentance and a firm resolve to live by the laws of proper speech. ? ? 1. Homiletically, this means that having repented and achieved purification, the metzora is? assured that his prayers will, once again, gain acceptance Above. 2. Contrary to its common translation, tzaraas is not leprosy or some other bodily disease, but the physical manifestation of spiritual malady. As R’ Samson Raphael Hirsch demonstrates, if tzaraas were some biological disorder and the metzora’s confinement were to prevent contagion, then some of its related laws are inexplicable. For example, if the symptoms of tzaraas are found on a newlywed during the festive week following marriage, the Kohen does not pronounce the person tamei (impure) so as not to interfere with the festivities. Also, the Torah states that if one’s entire body is covered with tzaraas, he is tahor (pure), but if one spot on his body heals, then he is t |
