Maintaining Purity in a Sacred Space: Teachings from Tazria-Metzora

Published: Tue, 04/29/25

Updated: Wed, 04/30/25

"You must keep the Israelites separate from things that make them unclean, so they will not die in their uncleanness for defiling my dwelling place, which is among them."

Leviticus 15:31

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Hi friend,

This coming Shabbat's Torah portion, read on Saturday, May 3rd, is Parashat Tazria-Metzora. The bulk of this week's portion, Tazria-Metzora, discusses various forms of tzara'at, skin maladies which are contracted as a result of engaging in forbidden gossip. Also discussed are garment discolorations which constitute "clothing tzara'at," and the symptoms and laws of "house tzara'at," indicated by certain stone discolorations. Following is a discussion of various ritual impurities, including the laws of the menstruating woman.

Please enjoy this teaching of our beloved Root Source teacher, Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz of blessed memory, about this week's Torah portion, Tazria-Metzora, and share your thoughts with us!

Last week, our popular Root Source teacher Rabbi Gedalia Meyer talked about Shemini. Watch it below.

Participate in our enlightening lesson Teacher Bob O’Dell talked about Nehemia Gordon Part 5: A Jew Explains Isaiah 53 to Christians. Watch it below.

Take part in the inspiring lesson Marriage and God’s Image with Teacher Rabbi Yisrael Wende. Learn more below.

Check below to hear what Gidon Ariel and Jason Caplan have to share.

Gidon's Perspective on Root Source and Jewish-Christian Collaboration - Interview with Paul Calvert. Watch it below.

We sign off with a nice comment and a beautiful photo of Ein Karem, Jerusalem.

Shalom,

Gidon Ariel and Bob O’Dell
Root Source Founders

Parashat Tazria-Metzora

The Jewish people are instructed regarding the ritual impurity contracted by a woman who gives birth. The timeframe of this period of impurity differs depending whether the child is a boy or girl. At the conclusion of this period, the woman immerses in a mikvah and is required to bring certain offerings in the Temple. Incidentally, the Torah mentions the obligation to circumcise a male child on the eighth day of his life. The Torah then begins discussing the laws of tzara’at, a skin discoloration — often inaccurately translated as “leprosy” — which renders a person ritually impure. This aliyah discusses various forms of white skin discolorations. A person who has the symptoms of tzara’at must be seen by a priest. If the discoloration is deemed “suspicious,” the priest will immediately declare the individual impure or quarantine him for up to two weeks.

Parashat Tazria-Metzora: The Mystery of Tuma and Tahara

The laws of tuma (ritual impurity) and tahara (ritual purity) found in this week’s Parashah represent some of the most complex and intellectually challenging material in Torah. These laws defy simple explanation, logical patterns, or medical rationalization. While many have attempted to tie these concepts to hygiene or physical health, such explanations fail both in general principle and specific details.

Learn here

Shemini:
Rabbi Gedalia Meyer's Weekly Torah Study

Breaking the rules seems to be something deeply ingrained in human nature. It’s in our DNA. Often times we can get away with breaking or bending the rules. Sometimes, however, rules are meant to be followed, no exceptions allowed.

Watch the video

Nehemia Gordon Part 5: A Jew Explains Isaiah 53 to Christians

Root Source completes its exciting five part interview of Nehemia Gordon by asking him about his experiences in China, and how an encounter with Christians there gave Nehemia an idea: How to explain to Christians in terms they can understand, why Jews do not see Isaiah 53 as talking about Jesus! Bob then reacts to Nehemia’s novel idea and approach. Don’t miss one second of this exciting, innovative conclusion!

Learn here

Marriage and God’s Image

The story of God creating man and woman appears twice in Genesis. Comparing them teaches what is the meaning of love and how is the image of God related to marriage. Two separate individuals who strive to become one brings the image of God.

Learn here

Conversations:
Gidon Ariel and Jason Caplan - April 23, 2025

Jason and Gidon discussed their shared admiration for the Jewish people and their connections with various individuals, including the RiverWinds and Melanie Phillips. Gidon introduced a book that Root Source published titled “Bridge Builders” featuring 70 leaders in Christian-Jewish engagement, and Jason expressed interest in obtaining a copy. They also discussed the growth of their international programs, with Jason mentioning the Universal Language Room and his plans to teach some basics to interested musicians.

Watch the video

Gidon's Perspective on Root Source and Jewish-Christian Collaboration - Interview with Paul Calvert - May 21, 2016

Paul Calvert interviews Gidon Ariel to discuss Root Source, an online platform where religious Jews from Israel teach Christians about the Jewish roots of their faith, Israel, the Torah, Jewish traditions, and other related topics. Ariel explains that Root Source provides courses taught by Jewish instructors on a variety of subjects, including Jewish prayers, the land of Israel, biblical Hebrew, and the history of the Jewish people. The program allows Christians to deepen their understanding of the Jewish context of their faith, particularly the life of Jesus, and provides opportunities for Jewish-Christian dialogue.

Watch the video

Comments

We get so many comments!
Here is one from Christine A Hickey on blog post
Situation Update from the Orbachs in Israel.

"I truly appreciate this article which informs those of us in the USA. We love and support Israel. I am praying for peace in Israel. May you remain safe and protected."

Ein Karem, Jerusalem

Enjoy this photo of Ein Karem, Jerusalem by Eliad Azulay.

Blessings and Shalom,
Bob and Gidon

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