As Heard From Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L

“And the Cohen shall shut up the (man of the) plague seven days.” (13:4)

During this period of seven days, the leper is given the opportunity to repent and thus he may be spared. “When a man sees that suffering comes upon him let him search in his deeds.” (Berachot 5A) The purpose of the plague and of misfortunes in general, is to make men more aware of Hashem. And especially to remind them how great was Hashem’s kindliness hitherto that He had spared this man from such misfortune.

“He that chastises nations, is He not showing something (or: is He not rebuking?), He that teaches Knowledge to Man.” (Tehillim 94:10) This Knowledge is chiefly of two aspects: 1) that Hashem conducts all the affairs of the world 2) that He bestows happiness on Mankind

Even now, in his misery, the leper is more blessed than chastised. If he is able to see, to talk, to think rationally, to walk, to eat and to sleep, he must learn to be grateful and to understand that the blessings are more than the suffering. He should now repent and learn to thank Hashem for all the good days that he had enjoyed hitherto but had failed in the function of singing in joy to Hashem. And he should even now be grateful for all that Hashem gives him in abundance.

The leper should also find solace in the very great benefit that his plight causes others to fear Hashem.

Quoted from “A Kingdom of Cohanim” by Rabbi Miller ZT”L

Shabbat Shalom

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