ויקרא יג,ב: לְּנֶגַּע צָרָעַּת וְּהוּבָא אֶל־אַּהֲרֹן הַּכֹהֵּן אוֹ אֶל־אַּחַּד מִבָנָיו הַּכֹהֲנִים
The Sforno explains that one aspect of the qualification of the Kohen to pronounce the leper as impure or pure is based on a verse in Malachi, “The lips of the Kohen are the keepers of the daas (wisdom).” After the Kohen pronounces the individual as tamei (contaminated) and he is sent outside of all the camps to remain alone, the Kohen instructs the leper how to introspect and reflect on his behavior, since leprosy only comes about because of a spiritual failing. The Kohen instructs him how to repent in order for his supplications for recovery should be received by G-d. In addition, the Kohen will also pray on his behalf as well. The leper will only be able to recover through repentance and not through any medical treatment, since the cause of his state and condition came about through speaking lashon hara.
Tzaraas on Clothes
ויקרא יג ,מז : וְּהַּבֶגֶד כִי־יִהְּיֶה בוֹ נֶגַּע צָרָעַּת
The Sforno in his lengthy commentary on this section makes the following points:
- The discolorations mentioned in verse 49, namely green and red, can not appear in a white, natural garment naturally.
- Therefore, this phenomenon is heaven-sent for the purpose of alerting the owner of the garment (or the house) to take stock and repent for their actions.
- The fact that these laws do not apply to non-Jews serves for the Sforno to stress again that man is the crown of creation chosen to imitate G-d through power of reason and freedom of choice. However, the bulk of mankind did not realize this awesome responsibility except for the Jews. Even among the Jews only a relatively small number attained the level of excellence which G-d had ordained for them. G-d repeatedly reminds them to mend their ways and return to G-d. One of these methods is the afflictions of Tzaraas. Thus, it is understandable that these laws do not apply to the non-Jews for the Tzaraas afflictions are a miraculous lesson reserved only for those who understand their ultimate purpose and act accordingly.
- Based on the above, the Sforno explains that the visiting of these afflictions upon the Jews is motivated by G-d’s compassion for them and His desire that they repent and accept their historical mission to be a holy people. The special providence enjoyed by the Jews is manifested by His ongoing attention and concern which, ironically also carriers with it those special reminders. It is precisely because the Jews reached a high level of holiness that their misdeeds create such vulnerability. Once the Jews descended from that exalted plateau, they are no longer worthy to be singled out for such direct, wondrous Divine reminders. That is why we do not witness these phenomena today or for many generations.
