Summary of parashat Tazria
The parashah Tazria continues with the discussion of the laws of ritual purity and impurity.
A woman giving birth must go through a purification process, which includes immersion in a mikve (a pool of naturally gathered water) and bring offerings to the Temple. All males born must be circumcised on the eighth day of life.
Tzaraat is a supernatural affliction that can also affect clothing. If white or pink spots appear on a person's skin (pink or greenish spots on clothing), a Cohen is summoned. Judging by various signs, such as an increase in the size of the affected area after a seven-day quarantine, the Cohen pronounces the spot as impure or pure.
A person afflicted with Tzaraat must live alone outside the camp (or city) until healed. The affected area on any clothing must be removed, and if the Tzaraat reappears, the entire garment must be burned.
