Parashat Metzora

We often complain about the bad things that happen to us, and find no solace for our unhappiness. These events can affect our physical and mental health, as indicated by a study conducted by researchers from the Universities of Wisconsin and Harvard, which affirms that believing people are more satisfied with their lives. Likewise, another research carried out by a group of scientists from the Harvard Chan School of Public Health concludes that people who attend religious services more than once a week have a 33 percent lower risk of dying from a disease than those who do not. However, even believers, who know that God does everything for the best, sometimes have concerns about this. This parashah goes on to relate about the infectious stains that appeared when someone speaks ill of another person. The Sages teach us that these stains appeared gradually: first on the walls of his home, after a while, if he did not repent of his sin, they appeared on his utensils and finally, if he continued with his foolishness, on his body. This is similar to a child approaching an electrical outlet. His father, at first, calmly explains to him to move away, but when he sees that his son continues in the same direction he shouts to him: Son, move away from there! Finally, seeing that the child does not listen to him, he has no choice but to take him out of the room. His son cries and thinks his dad is the bad guy. Our challenge is to observe, understand and appreciate that these calls for attention are for our own good.

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