The Humility of the Hairless
According to the Sefer Hachinuch (Mitzvah 169), a person becomes a confirmed Metzora when a specific white spot appears on his skin. After a period of exile and the disappearance of the spot, the purification process begins.
The Metzora shaves his entire body and immerses in a Mikva of Mayim Chaim (living water). The Sefer Hachinuch explains that he should envision the whole world as water, just like the first day of creation. In this hairless state, he resembles a newborn child—spiritually, he is brand new.
Why subject a person to such ridicule after they have already repented? Doesn't the Torah forbid us from reminding a Baal Teshuvah of his past?
This is actually the most difficult part of the Teshuvah process. He no longer has his "look" or his reputation to hide behind. When people see his odd appearance, they may laugh, avoid him, or whisper, "He’s the one who spoke Lashon Hara about me."
In this vulnerable state, he has only one way to win back favor: Sincere Humility. He must earn back the trust of his community through honesty and lowliness. This social "shame" is not a punishment, but the final refinement of his character.
We often wonder, “I did Teshuvah, why is life still so hard? Doesn't Hashem see how sorry I am?” We must remember that rebuilding a life and a reputation takes time. We must not become discouraged by the "hairless" seasons of our lives.
Just as surely as hair grows back, so too will the life and reputation of the sincere Baal Teshuvah.
I recently published a sefer called The Great Game of Kashrut, which uses cartoons to depict complex halachic cases in Yoreh Deah. Click the link below to see the latest animation!
Watch the Animation of Case 1 here!
Find out more at: greatgameofkashrut.com