In the Bible, tzaraat is a skin disease that can take many different forms, and in particularly bad cases can manifest itself on one’s clothing, belongings, and house, in addition to the skin. According to the rabbis, tzaraat is caused by sin.

Tzaraath (Hebrew: צָרַעַת ‎ ṣāraʿaṯ), variously transcribed into English and frequently translated as leprosy (though it is not Hansen's disease, the disease known as "leprosy" in modern times [1]), is a term used in the Bible to describe various ritually impure disfigurative conditions of the human skin, [2] clothing, [3] and houses. [4] .

Tzaraat was an affliction of the skin (or clothing or house) discussed extensively in the Bible (notably the Torah portions of Tazria and Metzora) that would cause the sufferer to become impure and be isolated or “quarantined” from the community.

In the Jewish folklore, the biblical ‘Tzara’at’ is known as a ‘spiritual disease’ – meaning it was caused by spiritual reasons such as ‘evil gossiping’, for example, as happened to Miriam, Moses’ sister (Numbers 12:1-13). In the old Jewish literature there is a saying which explains the Hebrew name of our weekly Torah portion.

According to many historians, the disease known as leprosy did not exist in the Middle East in the times of the Torah. Although tzaraat was a skin illness, it had a spiritual element to it. In the Tanach, we find quite a few individuals who were plagued by tzaraat.

In Leviticus 13 and 14, we encounter a strange disease called tzaraat, which can be contracted by human beings, walls, stones, or cloth.

Apr 19, 2023 · A person healed of the skin affliction tzaraʿat (often mistranslated as leprosy) [1] must leave the camp and undergo a series of purification rites over an eight-day period before returning to regular life. [2] .

When it appears on human flesh, it is at least possible to think of tzaraat as a disease, but this is certainly not the case when it appears on inanimate objects. Moreover, houses and garments stricken with tzaraat are burned, a much harsher treatment …

Tzara'at is a biblical disease that involved discoloration of one's skin, home, or clothing. Once confirmed by a priest's inspection, it renders the subject ritually impure, requiring them to leave the camp for a period, undergo further inspection, and then a purification process.

Apr 14, 2021 · Why is partially infected skin impure but fully infected skin pure? Mary Douglas’ insight into the polluting power of anomalies helps us make sense of this counterintuitive rule. Miriam Shut Out From the Camp (detail), James Tissot, c. 1896-1902. The Jewish Museum.