APRIL 11 • 2024 | 51
J
N
The Need for
Compassion
H
ave you ever found
yourself in a situation
where someone close
to you seems to be straying
from their morals and values?
It’s a dilemma; should you
intervene or stay silent?
This week’s Torah por-
tion discusses the impuri-
ty known as tzara’at, often
translated as leprosy.
However, while this con-
dition was physical, it was
a manifestation of a spir-
itual malady. In biblical
times, one who suspected
they may have tzara’at
would approach “
Aaron,
the (High) Priest, or
one of his sons, the Kohanim.
”
(Leviticus 13:2) They were the
only ones who could verify that
the ailment was indeed tzara’at
and declare a person impure.
If one was declared impure,
they were required to withdraw
from the community and be in
isolation for a period of time.
Beyond the punitive nature of
this isolation, it also served as
an opportunity for the individ-
ual to reflect and seek improve-
ment. Once they did so, the
rash would heal and they would
be welcomed back to the com-
munity.
The Lubavitcher Rebbe of
blessed memory points out
that the choice of Aaron (and
his descendants) for this task
is related to his kind, loving
nature. Aaron’s ability to diag-
nose stemmed from his com-
passion. In order to declare such
a harsh sentence of isolation,
one must be coming from a
place of love.
This is the lesson we must
take to heart when we see
someone falling short or acting
in a way that needs improve-
ment. Before pointing out flaws
in others, we must be introspec-
tive and ensure our intentions
stem from love for them. If
there is even the slightest
hint of judgment, conde-
scension, self-righteous-
ness or annoyance, we
have to accept that we
are not the right person
to bring this flaw to this
individual’s attention.
Many have wondered
about the Rebbe’s ability
to reach people of such
diverse backgrounds
and draw them closer to
Judaism. This teaching
gives insight into that success.
The Rebbe’s boundless love for
each individual is the founda-
tion of his ability to challenge us
to constantly grow in our ser-
vice of G-d. He touched hearts
and empowered individuals not
just to grow themselves but also
to pass that inspiration on to
others.
As we approach the 11th of
Nissan, which will mark the
Rebbe’s birthday, let us commit
to emulating the Rebbe’s love
by extending kindness and
inspiration to those around us.
Invite someone without a seder
to join yours. Share matzah
with a neighbor who might not
otherwise fulfill this mitzvah.
Remember, each of us possess-
es the inner strength to uplift
others.
Wishing everyone a loving
and uplifting Shabbat and with
prayers for the safety of our
brothers and sisters in the Holy
Land of Israel.
Rabbi Benny Greenwald is the director
of the Daniel B Sobel Friendship House.
SPIRIT
TORAH PORTION
Rabbi Benny
Greenwald
Parshat
Tazria:
Leviticus 12:1-
13:59; II Kings
4:42-5:19.
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