Support Torah.org

Subscribe to a Torah.org Weekly Series

By Rabbi Aron Tendler | Series: | Level:

Note: The Shabbos Torah Reading is divided into 7 sections. Each section is called an Aliya [literally: Go up] since for each Aliya, one person “goes up” to make a bracha [blessing] on the Torah Reading.


1st and 2nd Aliyot: The purification process of the Metzora involving two kosher birds, a piece of cedar, some crimson wool, a hyssop branch, fresh spring water, a clay bowl, a Kohain, the Mikvah, seven days, a haircut and a Korban with its Mincha offering, is detailed.

3rd Aliya: The Korban of a poor Metzora is described.

4th, 5th, 6th, & 7th Aliyot: The laws dealing with blemishes that appear on a house are detailed. Following the laws of Tzaraas, the Torah turns its attention to various laws dealing with bodily discharges that render the individual Tameh. Male discharges, seminal discharges, menstruation, and other female discharges are detailed. Note: The basic laws of Family Purity are stated in verses 15:19-26.