Dear Friends,
After another week of having our worlds turned upside down in response to the COVID 19, I cannot help but draw parallels to our Torah reading and what is going on in the world around us. This week, we read the double portion of
Tazria Metzora
. It describes an infectious skin disease,
Tzaraat
, plaguing the Israelite community. Those suffering from the disease are sent to be quarantined outside the camp until the high priests approve their reentry.
Most often,
Tzaraat
, the disease, is translated as Leprosy, but the Torah is ambiguous. Most traditional commentators suggest that the skin disease isn’t really a disease, but rather a physical symptom of a much more serious spiritual affliction. Oftentimes, by the time the high priests were aware of the suffering and the ailment it was too late.
As soon as Tzaraat has been diagnosed, the Torah gives what may appear to be an unusual instruction. The one who has been diagnosed with Tazriah “needs to call out unclean, unclean” letting everyone know that they are impure, and sick. As uncomfortable and awkward as it might be to make a public statement announcing that we are sick, it serves a very important purpose. It lets the community know what is going on, and gives them the opportunity to help.
While we are all hopeful that we will slowly begin to emerge from quarantine, there is no doubt that there is a lot of suffering going around. Some of us may be physically sick, or perhaps facing economic hardships, while others of us may be hurting in other less noticeable but just as painful spiritual and emotional ways.
At this point during our stay at home order, whether by phone, text, or email, I have been in touch with most of the congregation offering help and support. Something that I have found to be tremendously inspiring is that so many more people have actually offered to help than have asked for assistance. As is the case in our Torah portion, it can be difficult to admit that we could use help and that we are suffering, it can be embarrassing to shout out that we have problems. But you have nothing to be embarrassed about. This is a difficult time for all of us, and difficult times are when we need community the most.
As we enter Shabbat together, I want to thank all of you for being there for one another and for your care and support. It is truly inspiring to see how we want to be there for one another during these challenging times. In difficult times, it serves as a tremendous source of inspiration and hope for me, for all of us, as we rebuild our community and our world stronger, more understanding, and more compassionate than ever before.
Please stay smart, stay healthy, and stay home. Wishing you all a
Shabbat Shalom
,
Rabbi Josh Dorsch
