Parsha Tazria — Leadership in a hazy world

In this weekly Parsha (weekly Bible reading), I am exploring the ideas of Religious Leadership. And comparing this to Political leadership and then looking at the lack of moral clarity and debasement of human life in today's world.

Leviticus 13:2

אדם כי־יהיה בעור־בשרו שאת או־ספחת או בהרת והיה בעור־בשרו לנגע צרעת והובא אל־אהרן הכהן או אל־אחד מבניו הכהנים׃

When a man shall have in the skin of his flesh a swelling, a scab, or bright spot, and it is on the skin of his flesh like the disease of leprosy; then he shall be brought to Aaron the priest, or to one of his sons the priests.

Only the Cohen can judge; provide guidance.

Let’s look at Rav Kanievsky — a Religious, spiritual Leader who had such influence on so many people? He was called the Prince of Torah. He was like the Cohen Gadol providing guidance.

In Judaism, we have the distinction between King and Priest (Cohen)

This was merged both during the period of the Chashmonaim Kings and the Church merged this with disastrous results.

Functions of King, Prime Minister

Defend the Country, Tax to defend, provide other services such as education and health.

Priest

Sets Religious standards, Spiritual guidance, Create a connection to God.

Let’s look at the example of illness — we have seen in Corona, Cancer, and even Heart Attacks the limited ability of science and medicine to help.

What about prayer? Do our prayers work?

Which is more powerful — Medical treatment or Prayer?

Faith vs Rationality?

Indeed, I used to think that Medicine was rational, but alas there are commercial and other interests making this less rational.

What about common sense? — Eating and leading a healthy lifestyle?

The role of Religion today

In the US, there was and is a separation of RELIGION AND STATE. This was initially successful because of faith-based communities.

In Israel, we have faith-based communities who unfortunately also get involved in Politics giving religion a tarnished image. We have the battle of the religious to follow State Laws which can be skewed against Religion/faith-based communities.

I believe that today’s problems are one of lack of moral clarity and require guidance from leaders seeking a path of good and betterment of mankind. Our Religion is too self-centered, too particularism, not universal enough. We the people are also to blame. as we choose these leaders.

One can still have strong personal beliefs but have a universalistic, outward view where care and basic value of others — human life.

We have had a wake-up call with Ukraine, and now Israel is in a wave of terror where the value of human life is thrown in the trash. How many families have been destroyed by this? How many orphans? Time for a moral reset!!

Time for us to reflect on what kind of world we want? Time for action and leadership. Time for a more caring world.