Summary:
Our Torah portion this week is not pleasant. It covers topics that we don’t often discuss in public! God describes the rituals of purification for a woman after childbirth. God then sets forth the methods for diagnosing and treating a variety of skin diseases, including tzara-at (a leprous affection), as well as those for purifying clothing.
Lessons from our Haftarah – Second Kings 4:42-5:19
Our Torah portion focuses on the unpleasant topic of skin diseases. In our haftarah, a foreign general is healed from his leprosy by the prophet Elisha.
How is it that Naaman, a foreigner is in Israel searching for a cure? Why does an outsider turn to a prophet of Israel to rid him of his leprosy?
It is interesting that in ancient times people were open to outside ideas and beliefs both in the realm of the spirit and of the body. From our haftarah we learn that in the ancient middle east, despite its inward focus with differing tribes and beliefs, people were willing to cross societal boundaries, open to expanding their horizons.
After his miracle cure, Naaman acknowledges God’s uniqueness and in appreciation swears loyalty to God. Lest we see this as a conversion to Judaism, we should realize that when he returns to his homeland, Naaman will continue to serve his foreign king and bow down in worship at pagan shrines. This does not seem to offend Elisha who turns to Naaman and says “Go in peace.”
Now-a-days people are willing to cross all boundaries when they search spiritually or even medically! Our haftarah teaches us that we aren’t so different from our ancestors. They too sought out holy leaders from throughout the region for consultation on matters of health or wealth. We also learn that even in ancient times political and religious boundaries were porous. It is human nature to want the best that can be found!
Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Don Goor