בס”ד
By Rabbi Moshe Goodman, Kollel Ohr Shlomo, Hebron
Painting by: Baruch Nachshon z”l
This parsha talks about leprosy, which according to our Sages came as a result of lashon hara. Our Sages likened one who speaks lashon hara to a snake which bites even if he does not gain benefit. Similarly, one who slanders another harms the other even if he does not receive benefit. The evil inclination in general is likened to a snake by our Sages, as can be seen in the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.
In this painting we see an image of a snake amidst a plant. This seems to hint to the saying of our Sages “I, Hashem, have created the evil inclination, but I have also created the Torah as a remedy for it.” The term remedy – “tavlin” Iis also used in contexts referring to vegetative herbs. This vegetative herb/remedy may be the meaning behind the plant seen here with the snake, symbolizing how the Torah is the remedy for the evil inclination, i.e the snake. This idea is strengthened when we see the snake emerging from the two tablets of the Torah at the bottom of the painting. We also see shofars, the instruments of repentance, in the horizon suggesting the importance of repentance in defeating the evil inclination. The plant we mentioned also has seven branches, and each branch has seven leaves, a matter that seems to hint to the seven week period of the Omer, which is instrumental in defeating the evil inclination, repentance and spiritual development.
Our Sages say that also in regard to lashon hara Torah study is a primary remedy along with humility. The Maharal explains that both Torah study and humility carry high spiritual value capable of rectifying a blemish in man’s more spiritual capabilities, the power of speech.
The city seen here seems to hint to a holy walled city of Israel. This could easilhy hint to Jerusalem or Hebron, both focal points of the Holy Presence. Not only this, but also Jerusalem carries the term “shalem” as in shalom – peace, and Hebron means unity – “hibur.” Indeed, these two cities are also instrumental in bringing peace and unity among Israel, also through proper communication, thereby causing the Holy Presence to rest in our midst.