Rabbi Shimon ben Yoḥai taught: When Israel stood at Mount Sinai and said: “Everything that God said we will perform and we will heed” (Exodus 24:7), at that moment there were not among them one who experienced a discharge, or [one who was] a leper, nor lame, nor blind, nor mute, nor deaf, nor imbecile. Regarding that moment it says: “All of you is fair, my love, and there is no blemish in you” (Song of Songs 4:7).
Once they sinned, not even a brief time passed until those who experienced a discharge and lepers were found among them. Regarding that moment it says: “They shall expel from the camp every leper, and anyone with a discharge…” (Numbers 5:2). From what did Israel incur liability to [be struck with] discharge and leprosy? Rav Huna said in the name of Rabbi Hoshaya: It is because they would cast aspersions on their prominent leaders and say: ‘Does the family of so-and-so not include lepers?’
This is to teach you that leprosy comes only for slander. That is why Israel was liable for discharge and leprosy. Rabbi Tanḥuma says: It is because they would cast aspersions on the Ark and say: ‘This Ark kills its bearers.’ Leprosy comes only for slander; that is why Israel was liable for discharge and leprosy.
The Rabbis say: It was because of the calf, as it is written: “Moses saw the people, that it was exposed [farua]” (Exodus 32:25), that leprosy blossomed in them, just as it says: “The hair of his head shall grow unchecked [farua]” (Leviticus 13:45).24This is stated in regard to the leper. Rabbi Yehuda bar Rabbi Simon said: It was because of the complainers, as it is stated: “Until it comes out of your nose, and it shall be loathsome [lezara] for you” (Numbers 11:20).
What is [the meaning of] loathsome [lezara]? Rabbi Huna said: It shall be for vomit [lezarna] and excrement. Reish Lakish said: It shall be for diphtheria [askera]. Rabbi Abba said: As a warning [azhara].
Rabbi Evyatar said: For ticks [lekarda].25Insects that are attracted to flesh as it begins to disintegrate. Rabbi Shimon ben Yoḥai said: It is just that you distance it more than you [now] seek to draw it near. Rabbi Yehuda bar Rabbi Simon said: From here they became strangers [zarim] to the Tent of Meeting.26They experienced discharges and became lepers, and therefore were unable to approach the Tent of Meeting.