| Dvar Torah for Parshat Tazria-Metzora
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Based on Likutey MoHaran I, Lesson #29
Tzaraat (translated as leprosy, but not meaning the disease of that name) was a punishment visited upon a person who spoke lashon hara (slander; VaYikra Rabbah 16:7). *Lashon hara* is a heinous crime, worse than murder, idolatry and immorality combined (Yerushalmi Peah 1:1)! Rebbe Nachman teaches that keeping one’s clothing white means perfecting one’s speech. For speech to be perfect it has to contain "good," it has to convey awareness and appreciation of God, of His Torah and mitzvot, or of His people. What is the connection between speech and clothing? Both are related to the concept of malkhut (kingship). Speech is used by the King to express his will in running his government and it is used by the people to express their appreciation and honor for the King. God is the "Honored King" (Psalms 24:10). Rebbe Yochanan tells us that "clothes make the man" (Shabbat 113a) because they bring honor to the person wearing them. Even what merely touches a Jew - his "clothing" - must be "white," absolutely clean, at all times. The Talmud (ibid.) goes so far as to say that a Torah scholar whose clothing is stained is deserving of death? Why? Because a Torah scholar is so strongly identified as God’s representative, even the slightest blemish in his outer appearance spoils God’s reputation and so he is judged accordingly. Certainly if his speech or actions are blemished he is liable to be severely punished. This has implications for us ordinary folk, of course. Each and every Jew can add to God’s reputation or, God forbid, the opposite. So, be careful! Guard your tongue from speaking slander. (It is quite worthwhile to visit the Chofetz Chaim web site to learn more about this topic. Visit them at <http://www.chofetzchaim.org>.) Talk about how good God is, how moving a mitzvah can be and how good it is to be a Jew! Granted, it’s not always possible to talk about any of these topics. So, talk about what needs to be talked about, pleasantly with a proper choice of words. When Rebbe Nachman says to be careful about your clothing, he does not mean that one should be a clotheshorse. He means that one should dress in clean, dignified clothing, even if it is not the most fashionable. Here are some selections from Likutey Eitzot (Advice) and Sefer HaMidot (The Alef-Bet Book). "If one is not careful about getting his clothing dirty, he is causing a rift between God and the Shekhina. This allows the forces of evil to become stronger…and as a result it becomes more difficult and frustrating to earn a livelihood." "One’s clothing should never be torn. If, god forbid, one’s clothing is torn, his spiritual protection is weakened." (Advice, Clothing #2 and #4) "A person’s clothing is a clue to his character." "One who wears torn clothing because of poverty, should cry to God." "One who regularly curses others will not have clothing for Shabbat." (The Alef-Bet Book, Clothing A1, A10, B2) agutn Shabbos!
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