Parshas Metzora By Rabbi Shmuel Gluck: There is a concept of O Lerosho, O Leshcheino, woe to the wicked person, and woe to his neighbor. This concept, that people who affiliate with evil people will suffer with them, is menĕoned twice in the Torah. One of them is when members of the tribe of Reuven suffered for being Korach’s neighbors. This is understandable; because of their close proximity, they became friends, learned their wrong ways and, as a result, they were punished along with Korach. The other example is in this week’s Parsha. A house which has leprosy must have its affected stones removed. When the stones are removed, they are completely removed, even if a neighbor, who shares the same wall, will also suffer. However, there would seem to be a difference between these two cases. In the case of Reuven, they befriended Korach, and therefor they deserved to be punished along with Korach. On the other hand, in the case of the wall, the neighbors may never have even spoken to one another. Why do they deserve to be punished because of their proximity? I believe the Parsha is poinĕng out two disĕnct ways people can suffer as a result of their surroundings. People can be punished, or rewarded, for their acĕons. However, even if their acĕons don’t deserve a response, they can sĕll be negaĕvely affected, and are responsible to “watch out” for that possibility. Being negaĕvely affected is a natural process that people should be careful to avoid. Many people deny the reality of being negaĕvely affected, and become resenĔul when it happens. Nevertheless, being negaĕvely affected is a part of life, and people have the ability to avoid it. The Parsha is telling us that it is the responsibility of people to avoid being near reshaim, even if they don’t befriend them. Being near them, as friends, or just “hovering” around them, can affect them in areas that are out of their control. The author can be contacted at s
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