Tzaraath

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Tzaraath (tzaraas, tzaraat, tsaraas, tsaraat; Hebrew צרעת) is an affliction mentioned in the Tanach and other Jewish sources, starting in Leviticus 13–Leviticus 14. Although the term is commonly translated as leprosy, the symptoms of tzaraath are not entirely consistent with leprosy. Tzaraath affected primarily the afflicted person's skin, but sometimes his clothes and/or house. See also: Metzora (parsha)

1 Epidemiology
2 Causes of tzaraath
3 Types of tzaraath
- 3.1 Tzaraath of garments
- 3.2 Tzaraath of houses
4 References

[edit] Epidemiology

Several proofs can be brought from the biblical text to show that tzaraath cannot refer to leprosy. For instance, tzaraath will sometimes go away on its own after the infected person has been secluded (Leviticus 14). Also, tzaraath can affect clothes and houses (Leviticus 13), which is clearly not the case for leprosy, but might be true of a toxic mold.

According to Dr. Harold Spinka, M.D., and the Wycliff Bible Encyclopedia, Biblical leprosy describes a number of conditions. Dr. Spinka states that besides including the modern leprosy, Biblical leprosy can also include various skin conditions, syphilis, smallpox, and not merely the disease leprosy as understood today. (Experts appear divided on whether Biblical leprosy includes modern leprosy, see Wycliffe Bible Encyclopedia citation in the references section).[1] The Wycliffe Bible Encyclopedia and the journal Perspectives in Biological Medicine state that Biblical leprosy may include mold.[2]

Dr. Spinka wrote regarding the Levitical law regarding Biblical leprosy, "A review of Leviticus of the Old Testament shows that the priests were in charge of infectious diseases, as well as of the moral and religious welfare of the nation. The differential diagnosis between infectious and non-infectious cutaneous diseases is quite modern." [3] Similarly, Arturo Castiglioni in A History of Medicine wrote, "The laws against leprosy in Leviticus 13 may be regarded as the first model of a sanitary legislation" (p. 71). Castiglioni also stated, "Study of Biblical texts appears to have demonstrated that the ancient Semitic peoples, in agreement with the most modern tenets of epidemiology, attributed more importance to animal transmitters of disease, like the rat and the fly, than to the contagious individual" (p. 71).

[edit] Causes of tzaraath

According to Jewish theological tradition, Tzaraath was often believed to have come not through natural means but as a punishment for sin, and to have been cured not through natural means but through repentance and forgiveness.

The Talmud (Babylonian Talmud Arachin 16a) lists seven causes for tzaraath:

lashon hara (speaking negatively of others)
murder
a vain oath
illicit sexual intercourse
pride
theft
stinginess

However, other midrashic sources add other reasons, and one source states categorically that tzaraath appeared only as punishment for lashon hara.

Midrash Rabbah states that tzaraath initially affected a person's house. If he repented, it required only the removal of affected stones; if not, it required tearing down the entire house (as the tzaraath would not go away). Then the plagues came upon one's clothes. If he repented, they only required washing; if not, they required burning. Then the plagues would come upon a person's body. If he repented, he underwent purification; if not, "he shall dwell alone" (Leviticus 13:46).

[edit] Types of tzaraath

[edit] Tzaraath of garments

Tzaraath could appear upon any article made of wool, linen, or leather, not only garments; however, as most such items are garments, this form of tzaraas is commonly referred to as that of garments.

[edit] Tzaraath of houses

If tzaraath were to appear upon the bricks of a house, everything in the house would be removed from the house, and a kohen would then examine the bricks. Depending on the severity of the tzaraath, the bricks may need to be removed, or the house demolished.

Tzaraath of houses is viewed by some as a punishment, by others as a reward or blessing, as follows.

It may be a punishment for stinginess. Suppose someone's neighbors ask him for the use of some item — a tool, perhaps — and he replies that he has no such item. Tzaraath may appear upon his house, so that all of his possessions are laid outside (see above), his neighbors will be able to look and see that he does indeed have whatever he would not lend them.

On the other hand, Rashi states at Leviticus 14, verse 34, (based on a Midrash: Vayikra Rabbah 17:6) that tzaraath of houses was a blessing on the Israelites when they entered Canaan in the thirteenth century BCE. The Canaanites had hid their gold and other valuables in the walls of their houses. When tzaraath appeared on a house and the bricks were removed, the homeowner would find the treasures that had been hidden.