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Why does the Torah (תורה) use unusual language about the metzora's purification, stating the Kohen commands rather than the individual's obligation? The community bears responsibility not just for protecting itself by expelling harmful members, but for actively facilitating their return. Even when discipline is justified and necessary, we retain obligations to help those we've harmed find their way back.
Rabbi Zweig analyzes the unusual phraseology in Parshas Metzora regarding the purification process of someone afflicted with tzaraas. Unlike other Torah (תורה) portions that describe individual obligations for bringing sacrifices, the Torah here states "vetzivah haKohen" - the Kohen commands - rather than directly instructing the individual what to do. This linguistic anomaly reveals a fundamental principle about communal responsibility. The shiur begins with a Gemara (גמרא) from Gittin about the destruction of Jerusalem due to the Kamtza and Bar Kamtza incident. Rashi (רש"י) explains that the introduction "Ashrei adam mefached tamid" teaches "eizehu chacham haro'eh et hanolad" - a wise person foresees consequences. Rabbi Zweig notes the apparent contradiction: Jerusalem's inhabitants were known for their great wisdom, yet the Gemara seems to attribute the destruction to their lack of foresight.
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Parshas Metzora - Vayikra 14:2-7
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