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Maternal Bonds and Envy
Psychological Effects in Jewish Tradition [Tazria]

From Impurity to Connection: The Torah's Unexpected View of Childbirth (The transformation from "impurity" to connection and the surprising perspective of the Torah)

A woman giving birth is a miraculous event. Parshat Tazria begins with the laws of a woman giving birth, and we are so joyful when a new child enters the world - whether male or female. So why does the Torah say that a woman giving birth is " impure"? She's not impure because there's disgrace in childbirth; quite the opposite, it's because she was full of life during pregnancy, and that life departed her, leaving a void where there was once vitality, hence impurity. Purification lies with the newborn. If it's a girl, the impurity is doubled because every girl is destined to give birth. Thus, the loss of life is twofold, in the girl born and in the male born. Here, we see the Torah's optimistic view of life.

So why is a woman giving birth required to bring a sin offering? What sin did she commit? According to Christian perception, childbirth itself is a sin due to involvement in Adam's transgression. But our sages said the exact opposite. At the moment a woman gives birth, in her agony, she vows never to return to her husband, signifying she wants to end the continuation of life that she is capable of. Therefore, a sin offering is required to say that life is more important than any personal pain, hers or another woman's. Psychologically, it runs even more profound. When a woman gives birth, she automatically becomes connected to the past, And the future, which until now was concealed within her, is found within the fetus." Hidden envy arises between mother and son or daughter, which needs atonement and adoption of life as the primary trend of human life.

To see more about this subject, look here https://noahideworldcenter.org/pages/life-cycle

More Weekly Portions

Divine Guidance & Human Voices: Weaving the Tapestry of Law

In Parshat Pinhas, the daughters of Zelophehad prompt a pivotal change in Jewish inheritance laws, leading to a new directive that allows daughters to inherit when there are no sons. This narrative illustrates the dynamic interaction between divine guidance and the people's initiative. Moshe, initially unsure, receives instructions from HaShem only after the daughters raise their concern. This story, along with similar cases, underscores the importance of the people's role in the evolution of Jewish law and Divine revelation through communal inquiry and response.

Admiration & Jealousy: The Duality of Balaam's Prophecy

In Parshat Balak, Balaam, a renowned prophet among nations, embodies the complex mix of admiration and jealousy towards Israel. Though intending to curse Israel, he ultimately blesses them, illustrating Divine inspiration and prophecy's influence. This paradoxical attitude reflects broader themes of anti-Semitism and the favored child's psychoanalytic response. The Torah emphasizes hope, as prophecy in the synagogue signifies potential Divine influence on all humanity, supported by the Midrash Tanna D'bei Eliyahu's assertion of the Holy Spirit's universal accessibility.

Mortality EterniFrom Mortality to Eternity: The Red Cow’s Path to Purificationty Purification

In Parshat Hukat, the red cow (para aduma) ritual symbolizes purification from the impurity of death, rooted in the sin of the Tree of Knowledge. The ritual involves mixing ashes with living water, representing the body and soul, illustrating life's restoration through resurrection. This process, despite its symbolic clarity, underscores a Divine mystery — the transition between life and death remains beyond human comprehension. The Midrash highlights the red cow's secret, emphasizing the profound and unfathomable nature of resurrection and Divine Will

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