Leviticus 12:1 - 13:59

II Kings 4:42 - 5:19

In this Torah portion, 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.

FULL SUMMARY
HAFTARAH SUMMARY

Where Childbirth Gets Short Shrift

Why is birth nestled between dietary restrictions and skin diseases?

More on this Torah Portion

A Modern State of Impurity

The Torah's discussion of the obscure condition called tzara'at tells us something profound about the human condition.

Life, Death and Impurity

Ritual purity laws highlight the power of confronting mortality and the subsequent need to ritualize the reaffirmation of life.

The Leprosy Of Irresponsible Speech

Learning to control our speech will enable us to transform the world into a community that respects the shared humanity of all people.

Judging Ourselves And Others

The priest's role in declaring and treating leprosy, a physical manifestation of spiritual impurity, teaches us not to judge our own or others' spiritual lives.

A Gay Perspective On Punishment And Disease

Understanding God's presence in disease means viewing illness not as a punishment, but as an opportunity to treat others as created in the image of God.

How to Use Your Most Powerful Weapon

We are defined by how we use our tongues and by the words that leave our lips each day.

The Power of Words

While we might not break into boils when we gossip or spread rumors, it certainly can make us ugly on the inside.

Haftarah for Tazria

The prescription for holy psoriasis.

Parashat Tazria Quiz

Learn more about the weekly Torah portion.

Parental Sacrifice

The burnt offering and the sin offering that a woman brings after childbirth symbolize the dual nature of parenting.

Better Than God?

The ritual of circumcision allows us to partner with God in the covenant and also in perfecting creation.

Cycles Of Life, Death, And Purification

The cycle of life and death represented by leprosy encourages us to bring acts of purity into our lives even when we have become impure.

Parashat Tazria: Summary

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.

Clean Up Your Act

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