On the surface, this week's Parasha, called Metzorah, refers to a physical malady, a continuation of last week's theme of the concept of Tamei, often translated as impurity
On the surface, this week's Parasha, called Metzorah, refers to a physical malady, a continuation of last week's theme of the concept of Tamei, often translated as impurity.
Many commentators reject this sole translation of Tamei, teaching that the malady also indicates a defect in our consciousness and spirit. This can affect our ability to make sound judgements.
Is not our world in a state of Tamei-ness, of Tzaraat?
A look at the letters of Tzaraat reveals the word Tzarah, trouble. Maybe you’ve heard in Yiddish the word Tzuris?
Our hesitancy, as a nation, to address certain social issues, to provide Ukraine with more defensive support, to cut through the red tape in welcoming refugees, is indicative of our Tamei-ness.
Tragically, the meaning of Never Again, is debated in Israel. Many say these words do not apply to Ukrainians. They are not Jews. After all, Ukrainians have a long history of antisemitism and, also, cooperated with the Nazis. It doesn’t matter to many that Yad Vashem honors more than 2,500 Ukrainians who rescued Jews during the Holocaust. Many Ukrainians also fought the Nazis.
Supporting Putin in spite of Russia’s horrific history of antisemitism, pogroms, the murders of Jewish writers and intellectuals, the denial of Soviet Jews the right to emigrate etc., etc., is Tzaraat, is Tamei, is horrible judgement. Is Israel in bed with a murderer? Do politics supersede moral judgement?
How is it that Ukrainians elected a Jewish president? A professor of Jewish history, Henry Abramson, lectures on this. Google him. Ukrainian soil is also sacred to us.
Many American Jews are disturbed by Israel’s lack of support for Ukraine. We are in a state of Tamei, moral and spiritual disorientation when we don’t let our leaders know our concerns.
What to do? We need to reflect, know our feelings, question our motivations and refrain from LaShon Harah, the misuse and abuse of language. We must use our words to express our concern and address our concerns to leaders, here and in Israel.
I am presently talking with Jewish leaders about a meeting with the Embassy of Israel officials to discuss their position and our concerns. If you are concerned as well, write to the staff of the JCRC, Jewish Federation and Embassy. I hope a meeting will take place before Pesach.
B’Shalom,
Reb David