For the week ending 18 April 2026 / 1 Iyyar 5786
Parashat Metzora
Questions
- When may a metzora not be pronounced tahor?
- In the midbar, where did a metzora dwell while he was tamei?
- Why does the metzora require birds in the purification process?
- In the purification process of a metzora, what does the cedar wood symbolize?
- During the purification process, the metzora is required to shave his hair. Which hair must he shave?
- What is unique about the chatat and the asham offered by the metzora?
- In the Beit Hamikdash, when the metzora was presented "before
G-d " (14:11), where did he stand? - Where was the asham of the metzora slaughtered?
- How was having tzara'at in one's house sometimes advantageous?
- When a house is suspected as having tzara'at, what is its status prior to the inspection by a kohen?
- What happens to the vessels that are in a house found to have tzara'at?
- Which type of vessels cannot be made tahor after they become tamei?
- Where were stones afflicted with tzara'at discarded?
- When a house is suspected of having tzara'at, a kohen commands that the affected stones be replaced and the house plastered. What is the law if the tzara'at:
a. returns and spreads;
b. does not return;
c. returns, but does not spread? - When a person enters a house that has tzara'at, when do his clothes become tamei?
- What is the status of a man who is zav (sees a flow):
a. two times or two consecutive days;
b. three times or three consecutive days? - A zav sat or slept on the following:
a) a bed; b) a plank; c) a chair; d) a rock.
If a tahor person touches these things what is his status? - What does the Torah mean when it refers to a zav who “has not washed his hands"?
- When may a zav immerse in a mikveh to purify himself?
- What is the status of someone who experiences a one-time flow?
All references are to the verses and Rashi's commentary, unless otherwise stated.
Answers
- When may a metzora not be pronounced tahor?
14:2 - At night. - In the midbar, where did a metzora dwell while he was tamei?
14:3 - Outside the three camps. - Why does the metzora require birds in the purification process?
14:4 - Tzara'at comes as a punishment for lashon hara. Therefore, the Torah requires the metzora to offer birds, who chatter constantly, to atone for his sin of chattering. - In the purification process of a metzora, what does the cedar wood symbolize?
14:4 - The cedar is a lofty tree. It alludes to the fact that tzara'at comes as a punishment for haughtiness. - During the purification process, the metzora is required to shave his hair. Which hair must he shave?
14:9 - Any visible collection of hair on the body. - What is unique about the chatat and the asham offered by the metzora?
14:10 - They require n'sachim (wine offerings). - In the Beit Hamikdash, when the metzora was presented "before
G-d " (14:11), where did he stand?
14:11 - At the gate of Nikanor. - Where was the asham of the metzora slaughtered?
14:13 - On the northern side of the mizbe'ach. - How was having tzara'at in one's house sometimes advantageous?
14:34 - The Amorites concealed treasures in the walls of their houses. After the conquest of the Land, tzara'at would afflict these houses; and the Jewish owner would tear down the house and find the treasures. - When a house is suspected as having tzara'at, what is its status prior to the inspection by a kohen?
14:36 - It is tahor. - What happens to the vessels that are in a house found to have tzara'at?
14:36 - They become tamei. - Which type of vessels cannot be made tahor after they become tamei?
14:36 - Earthenware vessels. - Where were stones afflicted with tzara'at discarded?
14:40 - In places where tahor items were not handled - When a house is suspected of having tzara'at, a kohen commands that the affected stones be replaced and the house plastered. What is the law if the tzara'at:
a. returns and spreads;
b. does not return;
c. returns, but does not spread?
a. 14:44-45 - It is called “tzara'at mam'eret," and the house must be demolished;
b.14:48 - the house is pronounced tahor;
c. 14:44 - The house must be demolished. - When a person enters a house that has tzara'at, when do his clothes become tamei?
14:46 - When he remains in the house long enough to eat a small meal. - What is the status of a man who is zav (sees a flow):
a. two times or two consecutive days;
b. three times or three consecutive days?
15:2 -
a. He is tamei;
b. He is tamei and is also required to bring a korban. - A zav sat or slept on the following:
a) a bed; b) a plank; c) a chair; d) a rock.
If a tahor person touches these things what is his status?
15:4-5 - Only a type of object that one usually lies or sits upon becomes a transmitter of tumah when a zav sits or lies on it. A tahor person who subsequently touches the object becomes tamei and the clothes he is wearing are also tmei'im. Therefore:
a. tamei;
b. tahor;
c. tamei;
d. tahor. - What does the Torah mean when it refers to a zav who “has not washed his hands"?
15:11 - One who has not immersed in a mikveh. - When may a zav immerse in a mikveh to purify himself?
15:13 - After seven consecutive days without a flow. - What is the status of someone who experiences a one-time flow?
15:32 - He is tamei until evening.






