Jewish Texts

God describes the purification ritual for people and homes afflicted with leprosy; God also instructs Moses and Aaron regarding the laws of the emission of bodily fluids.

Parshat Metzora calls attention to how we treat those who are excluded and alienated from our society.

We can learn numerous lessons from the statement of the owner of a house that appears to be afflicted with spiritual defilement.

When we welcome baby girls into the covenant we allow them to remind us of God's presence in the world.

Just as the priest went out from the community to welcome back those afflicted with leprosy, we too should reach out to those who feel excluded.

Even if we view leprosy as a punishment, we must work to heal the afflicted, allowing our sense of compassion to override justice or logic.

God instructs Moses about the purification rituals for mothers following childbirth; God then describes to Moses and Aaron the procedures for identifying and responding to those infected with leprosy.

Living together as a community means learning to communicate effectively and respectfully.

After the dedication of the Tabernacle and the ordination of the priests, two of Aaron's sons bring a strange fire before God and are consumed by fire; God then instructs Moses and Aaron regarding which animals may be eaten.

Isaac Luria's theory of creation.

Influential kabbalists like Rabbi Azriel and Jacob ben Sheshet were, at times, criticized for their work.

In the Talmud and midrash, visions of the Divine Throne are achieved by studying the Torah.