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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