Weekly Torah portion: Metzora

Mistakes Happen – Failure is Chosen

By Rabbi Yaakov Marks

Rabbi Yaakov Marks
Rabbi Yaakov Marks

SAN DIEGO —  The Metzora was a person who was so involved in gossip and tale-bearing that even after several types of divine warnings he refused to give up or sometimes even recognize his immoral behavior. Some people even considered their inappropriate behavior to be virtuous. Then an irrefutable sign developed on their skin forcing them into a punishment of solitude. During this time, the Metzora had time to reflect on his life and his behavior. If he would let go of his ego, repent his past behavior, and commit to proper interpersonal relationships, the skin blemishes would start to fade and eventually disappear. The Cohen would check his status and if cleared the person would go through a procedure to end his solitude and begin his reentry into society.

During the procedure, the person being cleansed from his status of Metzora brought an offering of two birds. One of the birds was released in front of him and the other was sacrificed. Blood was put on the person’s ear, thumb, and big toe. Then oil was placed on his ear, thumb, and big toe. Many people question why this procedure was performed. Also, the only other time the procedure is mentioned is when the Cohanim, the priests, were sanctified as priests to serve in the Holy Temple. Why would the same procedure be used for sanctifying a Cohen and releasing a person from the low status of Metzora?

We are being taught a great lesson. The live bird being released and flying into the sky symbolizes the chance for a person to soar high in life even after making a terrible mistake. However, the sacrificed bird is warning that if a person gives up and returns to his old ways that would be failure. The ear symbolizes hearing and reaching into the inner being of a person. The hands symbolize the ability to create and the feet the ability to act. Just like the Cohen was informed that he now has a holy job to perform and needs his thoughts, creativity, and actions to be dedicated and directed to his holy work, so to the person leaving his Metzora status is being told that he should not look back at his past failures. Like the Cohen, he is entering a new stage of life to do holy work. He needs to dedicate his thoughts, creativity, and actions for good. Even after making a terrible mistake, a person has the ability to look past the mistake and soar. The only time a person fails is when he decides to give up.

May we have the strength to get up after we fall. May we have the wisdom to use our mistakes to grow from and not to stop us. May G-d grant us with the ability to use our minds, creativity, and actions to bring good to ourselves and others.

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Rabbi Marks is a life and health coach, who may be contacted via ahealthyrabbi@gmail.com. Comments intended for publication in the space below must be accompanied by the letter-writer’s first and last name and his/her city and state of residence (city and country if outside the U.S.)