Healing in a Time of Uncertainty
Dear BMC Family,
This week’s Torah portion, Tazria-Metzorah, discusses ritual impurity, its causes, and the required actions for how to deal with those affected. Our tradition discusses impurities at length, though in many cases they are part of the natural progression of life. One of our students expressed their thoughts:
“The definition of pure is a really complicated one. Humans by nature are imperfect and impure. Being human can’t be a bad thing. In the light in which it’s being painted, impurity - according to Rabbis and Torah, is defined as something that gets in the way of one’s connection to Hashem. I don’t agree with that. Since impurity is a human quality, and being human and being real - which can mean being impure - is as close as one can get with Hashem.”
The protocol in this parasha does describe that afflicted live outside the community, though there are various interpretations for what this means, exactly.
While the Torah portion details the specific causes and protocols for impurities, it only briefly alludes to the process of healing. We, as readers of the Torah, are left to imagine the healing process and recognize that it differs from person to person. Perhaps it is even beneficial and renewing!
We’re ultimately hearing about a type of ancient Israelite self-quarantine. Instead of being isolated outside of the camp, however, we are now remaining inside our homes. And instead of being by ourselves, we are hopefully with our families and afforded the opportunity to virtually connect with friends and other loved ones.
Just as the self-quarantine in Tazria-Metzorah is a time of cleansing and renewing oneself, the current circumstances we face can also serve as a time of growth, healing, and focus on ourselves and those we love.
This week marks Rosh Chodesh, the beginning of the month in the Jewish calendar. Perhaps we can approach this new month with the mindset that, despite the tragedy and uncertainty surrounding us, we can take time to cleanse and renew ourselves.
Continuing to wish you safety and health, and sending a רְפוּאָה שְׁלֵמָה (r’fuah shlema, full recovery) to anyone currently in need.
For those in our community who have experienced loss at this time,
המקום ינחם אתכם בתוך שאר אבלי ציון וירושלים
Hamakom yenakhem etekhem betokh shaar avelay tziyon viyrushalayim.
May Hashem comfort you among the rest of the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
Shabbat Shalom,
BMC Team
Don’t forget to wash your paws.