The Two Birds of the Metzora and the Return of Tzaraat

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Metzora 8:3

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

"And he shall slaughter the one bird" (Leviticus 14:5). Why does he slaughter one and send away one? Rather, if he has done repentance, you do not see it [the tzaraat] again; but if you do not turn back [in repentance], the tzaraat returns upon you — just as the live bird is able to return. Therefore [it is written] (Leviticus 14:7): "and he shall send away the [live] bird etc."

Themes

RepentanceAnimalsViolenceTribesHumor

Biblical References

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