In a world where spirituality is characterized as being an inner reality, it is easy to fall into a state of disconnect with the externality of spiritual life. We can lose the sense of value of how we present ourselves to one another and God on a physical level. We mustn’t forget that there are many times when the externalities of life are used as metaphors for things that encompass all dimensions of existence. Cleanliness is particularly connected to holiness in TaNaKh and in the apostolic Writings.

It’s strange to say, but unfortunately the spiritual disease of tzara’at does not exist today.  Life might be a little easier if we had a physical barometer of how well our soul is connected to others and to the Divine.  Once we see the physical signs we could get some help, repair, restore, and reconnect.  Today our purity of soul is much more difficult to measure so we must be proactive in it’s care.