🕍 Parsha Tazria-Metzora – A Simple Explanation

This week’s Torah portion is Tazria-Metzora, and it talks about something very unusual—a skin condition called “tzara’at” (like a kind of spot or rash). But it’s not just about being sick—it’s about our actions and how they can affect us and the people around us.

🧑‍⚕️ What Happens in the Parsha?

• If someone saw a strange spot on their skin, they went to a kohen (a special priest), not a doctor.
• The kohen would look at the spot and decide if it was tzara’at.
• If it was tzara’at, the person had to stay outside the camp for a while, so they wouldn’t spread it.
• Later, if the spot got better, they went back to the kohen, who would help them become pure again with a special ceremony.
• The parsha also talks about tzara’at on clothes and houses!
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🧠 What Can We Learn From This?

1. Words Matter
   Some rabbis say tzara’at came from saying unkind things (called lashon hara – gossip or hurtful talk). This teaches us that our words can hurt others, and we should always try to speak kindly.
2. Taking Responsibility
   When someone had tzara’at, they didn’t blame others. They listened, followed the rules, and worked to get better. We should also be ready to fix things if we’ve done something wrong.
3. Helping Each Other
   Even though the person had to be alone for a while, the kohen helped them come back and feel welcome again. It shows the importance of kindness and support when someone is having a hard time.
4. Clean on the Outside and the Inside
   Tazria-Metzora reminds us that being healthy and good isn’t just about how we look, but also about how we act and treat others.

🌟 Takeaway Messages

• Speak nicely. Words can heal or hurt—choose kindness.
• If you make a mistake, you can always try to fix it.
• Be kind to people who feel left out or are going through something difficult.
• Try to be a good person on the inside—that’s what really matters.

Thought of Rabbi Sacks

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, a wise and kind rabbi who loved teaching children and adults, explained that this parsha isn’t just about spots on the skin—it’s about how we live together, speak to each other, and care for one another.

💬 The Power of Words

Rabbi Sacks taught that tzara’at (the skin condition in the parsha) wasn’t like a normal illness. It came when people did something wrong—like speaking badly about others. He said:

“Words can build or break. They can hurt or help. That’s how powerful they are.”

He reminded us that we use words every day—and we should use them to spread kindness, truth, and love.

👥 Community and Caring

Rabbi Sacks said that when someone had tzara’at and had to stay outside the camp, it wasn’t a punishment—it was a way to stop harm from spreading and give the person time to think, say sorry, and return better than before.

He said we should always try to:

• Notice when people feel left out
• Help them feel included and cared for
• Be the kind of friend who brings others back in

🧠 Rabbi Sacks’ Key Messages for Kids

1. Words Are Powerful
   Use your words to make people feel happy, not sad.
2. Think Before You Speak
   Ask yourself: “Would I like someone to say this about me?”
3. Care for Others
   If someone is going through a hard time, show kindness. Help them feel part of the group again.
4. Be a Builder
   Rabbi Sacks said we are all builders—of friendships, families, and communities. And the best way to build is with love, honesty, and kindness.

🌟 A Final Thought from Rabbi Sacks

“To care is to heal. And when we help others heal, we heal too.”

Around the Shabbat Table

1. Why do you think the Torah teaches us about a skin condition (tzara’at) that comes from speaking badly about others?
What does that tell us about how important our words are?

Answer:
Because the Torah wants us to know that words aren’t “invisible”—they can leave a mark, just like tzara’at did on the skin. Speaking badly about someone can hurt their feelings, damage friendships, and spread negativity. The Torah teaches us to be careful and kind with our words, because they are very powerful.

2. If someone had to stay outside the camp, how do you think they felt?
What can we do today to help people who might feel left out, lonely, or hurt?

Answer:
They probably felt sad, lonely, or even embarrassed. It must have been hard to be away from friends and family. Today, we can help by inviting someone to play, saying kind words, checking in on someone who looks upset, or making sure no one is left out at lunch or break time.

3. Rabbi Sacks said we should be “builders” with our words and actions.
What’s something you can say or do this week to help “build” a stronger, kinder friendship or family?

Answer:
We can say things like “thank you,” “I’m proud of you,” or “I’m sorry.” We can help out without being asked, give compliments, or listen carefully when someone’s speaking. Small actions, like a smile or a hug, help build strong, loving relationships.

Parsha summary adapted from Chabad.org and Rabbi Sacks Legacy

The weekly mitzvot are adapted from the PAJES Primary Parashat Hashavua Curriculum, and form the basis of the school's PSHE curriculum for all pupils alongside the Torah, Well Being and Me curriculum.