Tzara'at/1/en

Tzaraat

Introduction

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A Mysterious Affliction

Vayikra 13-14 speaks at length about the various forms of tzara'at, the impurity caused thereby and, finally, the process by which the afflicted can be purified.  Despite the many details, however, the malady remioans very much in the realm of the unknown: 

• What is tzara'at?  Is it a natural, known disease or a supernatural phenomenon?  why does a person get afflicted?
• How do tzara'at of the house, clothing and body relate to each other?  Do they all stem from the same condition, or is one name given to a variety of distinct afflictions? Can the discoloration of clothing and homes have a natural explanation, or is this evidence thathe plague as a whole must be miraculous?
• Why does tzaraat afflict a person?  Can anyone contract the condition?