Show Notes
In this week's parsha, Metzora, we delve deep into symbolism and hidden meanings. Among other things, we learn:
A Metzora is cleansed through bird offerings because God is comparing him to a bird, who chirps incessantly. So too the Metzora used his power of speech thoughtlessly. He needs to learn to do better and not speak lashon hara.
A Metzora is purified through branches of cedar and hyssop. Rashi explains the cedar is tall, representing arrogance, but hyssop is from a low bush, representing humility. The Metzora must transition from being arrogant to being more humble.
Sometimes, what seems like a punishment may be a blessing. God could bring Tzaraat upon a person's house so that the person would discover hidden treasure behind the spotted stones. So too, in life, you may have experiences that appear negative but actually are good for you.
More from Parsha for Kids
In the last parsha of the Torah, V'Zot HaBracha, Moshe dies. But what matters is not that he died- rather, the way he died. Moshe approached God alone. There were no adoring crowds. No family surrounding him. It was just the man and his Maker. And this is something that will happen to us all. We will all, ultimately, approach God. The question to be answered is simply this: have we lived a life that we are proud to show to God?
This week's parsha, Haazinu, is actually a song! Moshe wanted to make sure that the core ideas of Judaism would be accessible to everyone, whether or not they were able to read. In this song, we focus on some important ideas. These include: