Parsha Thought: Tazria 5776

The torah describes various forms of tzaraas on a person’s skin (s’es, sapachas, baheres). Throughout the parsha of tzaraas the torah introduces the person as Adam. The Ishbitzer says that the highest descriptive form of man is the term Adam. The torah is teaches us that more often than not, Lashon Harah is found at the highest levels of righteouness,  by men of high stature. Perhaps we can also say that the torah is teaching us that, although we have sinned, although we have fallen, although we have erred greatly by transgressing  the laws of proper speech, we have not divested ourselves of our internal greatness. The torah is letting us know that we can still be called Adam.