This week’s Parsha discusses the subject of Tza’raas-leprosy. Actually this is not typical leprosy but rather a physical manifestation of a spiritual illness that appears as a spot on one’s skin. Although there are several sins that can cause one to get Tza’raas, the most prominent amongst them is Lashon Hara-slander or evil gossip.
When a person suspects that he has Tza’raas he must be brought to a Kohein-priest who examines him.
He is only rendered impure by the pronouncement of the Kohein. If he has all the symptoms yet the Kohein fails to pronounce him impure, he is still pure and doesn’t require the whole procedure which the Torah prescribes for someone with Tza’raas. Why not? This is in order to instill in him that “Life and death are in the power of the tongue!” Why did this fellow slander his fellow man? He most probably did not realize the power and potency of speech. He didn’t realize that gossip can cause someone to lose his job or cause other people to steer clear of the subject of his gossip or worse, actually shame him.
When he observes that one word of the Kohein renders him a Metzorah with all that it entails, it begins to dawn on him the power of one’s words. (Unfortunately, we see nowadays that through “cyber-bullying, teenagers are driven to commit suicide! Such is the power of hurtful words)!
Once he is declared a Metzorah, he must leave civilization and be isolated for at least seven days! He then comes to realize that through his slander he has driven a wedge between man and wife or between friends etc. and therefore it is only fitting that he experience the bitterness of isolation.
If such is the power of negative speech, then conversely, what great things can be accomplished with positive speech; a compliment, encouragement words of gratitude, or striving to achieve reconciliation between two friends!

By Rabbi Sharaga Thav
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