In this week's parsha, Tazria-Metzorah, one of the topics is on tazaraat and people who get tzaraat, called metzorot. There are many things that need to be done in order to purify a metzorah, but one of the things the parsha mentions is that two birds, a cedar stick, and aizov-grass are used to purify the metzorah. What is the purpose/ symbolism of these items, and why are the used here?
The Midrash explains that the main sin that tzaraat was used as a punishment for was lashon hara. Therefore, the birds symbolize that the metzorah acted like a bird, chirping constantly and not watching what they say. Then, one of the two birds is slaughtered, symbolizing that if you speak lashon hara you may cause trouble and death. The other bird is let free, with the purpose to spread the message that if you watch your tongue, you gain life. What other reasons could there be for the two birds, or for the ceder stick and the aizov-grass?
According to Rabbi Lev, the two birds represent the love, or "marriage" of bnei yisrael and Hashem. The reason for is to remind the metzorah of the relationship they have with Hashem and how significant it truly is. The cedar stick represents the strength of Hashem and how incredible he is. The reminder of Hashem's strength will allow the metzorah to remember the greatness of Hashem and not to disobey him further. Finally, the aizov-grass represents how small we truly are in comparison to Hashem's greatness and power. The combination of all of these items are for the true purpose of the sinner recognizing Hashem and understanding why he must do the right thing.
ReplyDeleteAccording to Rabbi Shlomo Ganzfried, the one bird killed, corresponds to the kind of speech that was involved with the loshon hara. The Torah add and tells us that there is a second bird that should be left alive; this corresponds to positive forms of speech such as Divrei Torah. This speech is not only acceptable but life-giving. He beings a proof from Mishlei: "Death and life are in the hands of speech." (4) Torah is called an eitz Chayim, tree of life, therefore we see the positive message that life is precious, and you should not waste it by speaking Loshon Hara.
ReplyDeleteRashi says that birds are used because when someone says lashon hara, they are chattering just like birds chirp. He says that one must bring a ceder stick because you are haughty just like a tall cedar tree. The last two objects signifies one humbling himself from saying lashon hara.
ReplyDeleteRabbi Asher Brander on ou.org quoted Arachin 16b that says that one brings birds as a korban because they are babblers chirping away just like the person who said lashon hara. Rabbi Brander says that we should learn from this that chatter matters. He brings Oonkeles that defines the nishmat chaim of Adam as the living soul being a speaking spirit. He says that this definition fits well with this idea because as human beings (not birds) our chatter matters.
ReplyDeleteRabbi Neuburger says that the birds stick and grass symbolize the goal of the teshuva process that should have been crafted by his days of isolation and aloneness and without which, he is not welcome back into the camp. At this point he has had to confront the ill feelings, the threatened friendships or marriages, the shame or derision that his arrogant and hasty chattering may have caused.
ReplyDeleteThe Torah Or explains that a cedar can symbolize a tzaddik. A cedar stands up straight and tall, however, has branches that point downward. So a real tzaddik is a person who stands up tall like a cedar, but also bows his head in humility because he realizes Hashem is the one who has made him what he is
ReplyDeleteRav Michael Hattin on etzion.org says that this process is similar to that of which was performed in Mitzraim before they left and by para aduma, when purifying the dead. When bnei yisroel painted blood on their doorposts they did so with hyssop- just like the one being used here. In both cases what lies ahead is the need for spiritual redemption. The two birds correspond to the transition and personal transformation from one set of actions to the other. Another ex that is given is that the bird being released is just like the metzora being released back into the machane of klal yisroel.
ReplyDeleteAccording Arab Yichezkel Katz the birds, stick, and grass are all symbols of nature. So when the metzorah is sent away from the camp, isolated in nature by themselves, that is what heals them. They are able to reflect away from other humans and just focus on their relationship with Hashem. So the significance of these symbols is of purification through nature and isolation.
ReplyDeleteRashi says that birds are used because when someone says lashon hara, they are chatting just like birds chirp. the ceder stick is because someone is haughty just like a tall cedar tree. The last two objects are to symbolize one humbling himself from saying lashon hara.
ReplyDeleteRabbi David Fohrman says in his video on parsha tazriah, that the entirety of the tehora process is reflective of yetziyat metzrayim and the two birds specifically represent the events of macat bechorot. He says that in macat bechorot, every Jewish bachor that was saved, had an Egyptian twin/ counterpart who died. He says in his video that the Jewish bachor went to life- to freedom from his binds of slavery- like the bird who is eventually freed, while the Egyptian bachor went to death- and his blood allowed for the Jewish bachor to achieve his freedom- like the mezorah who will become Tahor again through this process.
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