27-Torah-Week - Tazria - תַזְרִיעַ
Portion Summary
The name of the twenty-seventh reading from the Torah is Tazria, meaning "she conceived." This name is derived from (Leviticus 12:2), where YHVH instructs Moses, "When a woman [conceives] and bears a male child ...". (Leviticus 12) discusses the laws of purification after childbirth.
(Leviticus 13) then introduces the laws for diagnosing and quarantining individuals with leprosy. Except in biblical leap years, Tazria is typically read together with the subsequent portion, Metzora, on the same Sabbath.
Key Themes in Tazria:
Purification After Childbirth: Instructions for ceremonial purity after childbirth.
Instructions for Leprosy: Guidance on diagnosing and isolating those with skin diseases or leprosy.
TORAH:
Leviticus 12:1-15 — Laws of purification after childbirth.
Leviticus 12:15-32 — Further instructions on purification.
Genesis 3:16 — Consequences after the fall, with references to childbirth.
Exodus 4:6-7 — Moses' hand becomes leprous as a sign.
Numbers 12:1-15 — Miriam's leprosy and her subsequent quarantine.
NEVI'EM:
Isaiah 66:1-24 — Themes of purity and worship.
Ezekiel 44:9 — Requirement for purity in the sanctuary.
Ezekiel 11:19 — The promise of a new heart and spirit.
Ezekiel 36:26 — Renewal and purification, promise of a new heart.
Jeremiah 31:33 — The law written on the hearts of the people.
Zechariah 13:1 — A fountain opened for sin and impurity.
Ezekiel 36:24-31 — Purification and spiritual renewal for Israel.
WRITINGS:
Psalms 51:5 — David's prayer of repentance and awareness of sin.
2 Kings 5:1-27 — Story of Naaman's leprosy and healing.
2 Chronicles 26:1 — Story of Uzziah and his leprosy as a consequence.
Psalms 118:22-23 — The rejected stone becomes the cornerstone.
Psalms 119:1-2 — Blessed are those who walk in the law of YHVH.
GOSPEL AND EPISTLES:
Luke 22:35 — Y'shua teaches his disciples about reliance on YHVH.
Mark 1:35-45 — Y'shua heals a leper, demonstrating compassion and power over impurity.
Hebrews 8:10 — YHVH's covenant written in hearts and minds.
Acts 15:1-29 — Discussion of purity laws for Gentile believers.
Luke 2:22-24 — Mary's purification according to the law of purification.
2 Timothy 3:1-9 — Characteristics of the last days, emphasizing moral purity.
APOCRYPHA:
First Book of Adam and Eve: 74:1-20 — Reflection on humanity's condition and purity.
Jubilees: 3:1-14 — Creation and the fall, themes of purity and sin.
Sirach: 1:28-30 — Wisdom on humility and avoiding sin.
This reference list provides passages associated with Tazria-Metzora, covering themes of purification, spiritual renewal, the laws concerning leprosy, and New Testament connections to concepts of purity and moral integrity.
Notes:
Circumcision of the Heart:
This emphasizes that purity and willingness to obey are vital to faith.
Sin Offering: Related to the concept of original sin.
Leprosy as an Inward Condition:
Symbolizes the hidden nature of our inner struggles, which are eventually revealed.
Inner Reflections: Our outer actions reflect our soul's inner condition.
Study Questions:
How does Tazria relate to the Haftarah and New Testament readings?
Which readings were most interesting, and why?
How does this portion reveal aspects of Y'shua?
What is the general theme of this reading, and how can it apply to modern life?
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