In an earthen utensil over "mayim chaim" (literally "living waters") (14:5) Although the leper (who was usually afflicted with leprosy as a result of the sin of gossip) was obliged to feel humbled and contrite, great care had to be taken to make sure his spirit was not completely broken. The "living waters" of the Torah protected him from becoming too downhearted and reduced to spiritual inertia. (Sichot Tzadikim)
And he shall sprinkle upon him who is to be cleansed (metaher) from the leprosy seven times (14:7) Significantly, the Torah uses the reflexive form of the verb "to be cleansed" rather than the passive, "one who is being cleansed," to indicate that the person undergoing purification must take an active part in the process. The leper must sincerely repent of his misdeed and return to G-d with a whole heart, rendering him worthy of being brought before the priest. (Meshech Chochma)
Reprinted from this week’s email of R. Yedidye Hirtenfeld’s whY I Matter parshas sheet for the Young Israel of Midwood in Brooklyn.
