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££Arousal and ConceArousal and Conce boredom and loss of passion have disastrous effects on a marriage.
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Although not always discussed openly or identified as the real problem
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in a marriage, this reality subtly and unconsciously undermines and
destroys many marital relationships. The monthly cycle of closeness
Although Tazria deals primarily with the laws of tzara’at, it begins and separation does wonders for rekindling love and passion within
by addressing an entirely different topic: a marriage. Even secular psychologists are beginning to realize this
God spoke to Moses, saying: “Speak to the Children of Israel, and professionals are finally utilizing the inner wisdom of what may
saying: When a woman conceives and gives birth to a male, she first appear to be archaic laws to heal broken relationships.
shall be impure for a seven-day period, as during the days of her Upon studying the surrounding text, we must note that these
separation infirmity shall she be impure. On the eighth day, the flesh decrees are part of the laws dealing with purity and impurity. All
of his foreskin shall be circumcised.” (Leviticus 12:1-3) the commentators point out that these laws in no way whatsoever

The Torah discusses the commandment to circumcise a male child describe states of physical cleanliness or uncleanliness (an unfortunate
on the eighth day and continues by describing the ritually impure mistranslation that is sometimes used); rather, they describe spiritual
state of the woman who gave birth and how and when she becomes states of being.
ritually pure. The laws of circumcision were first given to Abraham Human sexuality, like many other things in life, can be related to
but here the Torah repeats the commandment to the entire people. in either a positive or negative manner. When understood properly

The word “tazria,” after which the portion is named, literally means and experienced within the holy context of marriage, Judaism views
to “give seed.” The Talmudic Sages explain that this verse provides the sexual act as one of the highest spiritual order. For this reason the
insight into the process of sexual arousal and its impact on the sex of mystics teach that the most appropriate time for marital relations is
the child. Quite simply put, the Rabbis understand the words “when on Shabbat. Recognizing the immense and intrinsic power sexuality
a women gives seed, and gives birth to a male” as asserting that holds over the human body and psyche, the Torah mandates how
when the woman is aroused first, she will give birth to a male, while and when its primal energy should be released so that it may be
if the man is aroused first, a daughter will be born (Niddah 31a). The harnessed with the very noblest of intentions.
Sages further taught that since one of the husband’s primary marital The positioning of the laws of family purity in Metzora is deliberate
obligations is ensuring regular marital intimacy, it follows that his and conveys a powerful message. As mentioned above at the beginning 24107-EYAL - 24107-EYAL | 12 - B | 18-01-28 | 12:12:05 | SR:-- | Magenta #24107-EYAL - 24107-EYAL | 12 - B | 18-01-28 | 12:12:05 | SR:-- | Yellow
obligation includes placing his wife’s pleasure before his own. How of Tazria, the Sages interpreted the Hebrew term “metzora” as a 24107-EYAL - 24107-EYAL | 12 - B | 18-01-28 | 12:12:05 | SR:-- | Black 24107-EYAL - 24107-EYAL | 12 - B | 18-01-28 | 12:12:05 | SR:-- | Cyan
great is the difference between this approach to sexual relations and contraction of the phrase “motzi shem ra,” a spreader of slander,
the stereotypical one present in most other cultures and periods or more literally, one who brings forth evil (Vayikra Rabbah 16:6).
where the man’s fulfillment has been placed first and foremost. Building upon this, the Sages noted that the two sins standing out as

In Kabbalah and Chassidut the subject of arousal and the the primary causes of tzara’at are slander and gossip. When the last
subsequent gender conceived is understood to be an allusion to two letters in the word “metzora” – ra (evil) – are reversed the letters
many deep concepts. To begin with it symbolizes two fundamental may be read as “err,” the Hebrew word for “awake.”
principles referred to as “Awakening (Arousal) from Above” and Sexuality has the power to awaken humanity’s most base
“Awakening (Arousal) from Below.” In the former process God takes animalistic desires. When this happens, the result is superficial,
the initial step and inspires human beings to draw nearer to Him, emotionally unfulfilling, and a waste of spiritual potential, at best;
while in the latter process human beings “arouse” themselves, taking at worst, it leads to violence, degradation, and the debasement of

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