In this week’s Parsha, the Torah describes a supernatural form of leprosy that would afflict those who gossiped. A person who suffered from tzaraas had to undergo a detailed purification process. In light of this, it’s surprising that the Gemara refers to Moshiach as “Chivara Debei Rebbi” — the leper of the house of Rebbi.
Chassidus explains that this unflattering description highlights Moshiach’s role in completing the final stage of refinement. He will heal the last, outermost deficiencies, bringing ultimate spiritual wholeness to the world. This role is echoed in the words of the prophet Zechariah, who describes Moshiach as arriving “humble and riding on a donkey.”
This concept is explored further in this week’s The Alef: The Grand Arrival.
