For the person undergoing the purification there be taken two live kosher birds, cedar wood, yarn dyed crimson in the blood of a worm, and a hyssop branch. (Lev. 14:4)
The disease of tzaraat is the result of slanderous talk which is like babbling words. Consequently birds which babble continuously were required for his purification. The disease was also caused by pride. Through humility one rid himself of this trait. The lowly hyssop and the worm from the purification process allude to the necessity of viewing oneself with humility. (Rashi)
When Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev would hear someone speak poorly of another person he would go up to him and say, “My dear friend, aren’t you ashamed? You are slandering G-d’s tefilin upon which it is written, ‘Who is Your People Israel.’”
He shall shave off all his hair – his head, his beard, and his eyebrows. (Lev. 14:9)
Tzaraat came as punishment for three things: haughtiness, gossip, and jealousy. Therefore, the cleansing process for one afflicted with tzaraat was done in the following order: First, the hair on the head was shaved off, because the person’s excessive pride caused him to desire to be above others; second, the hair of the beard was removed, because he did not control his mouth and spoke slanderously against his fellow man; and third, the eyebrows were shaved off, as they did not prevent his eyes from looking narrowly and with avarice at the possessions of others. (Klai Yakar)
