tzara'at

[alon]

Lev 11-14 deals with a spiritual condition known as tzara'at. Christian commentators see this as simply a means by which disease is contained, and there is probably some truth to that. However context a well as Jewish commentators see this as torat (instruction, implying the weight of law) with the purpose of keeping defilement from reaching the Tabernacle.

How is this viewed in Messianic circles today? Obviously if one is ill, common courtesy dictates they stay home when contagious. But what about illness that is not contagious but meets the standard of slow death and thus impurity? Say cancer?

I had an incident in the parking lot after class that caused me to become angry. I apologized to the rabbi (even though he nor anyone else was aware of it) because, after reading this I became convicted that my spiritual attitude was more of an affront to God and touched things holy than actual illness would. Lev 10 saw two of Ahron's sons devoured by fire because they approached the Holy in an impure condition of their hearts.

I know we have neither a Tabernacle or a Temple, but even a Community Center is holy when God's people meet there. So how do we apply these Levitical instructions today if we are to be observant?

Dan C

[Micha'el]

Shalom Dan,
A very interesting topic. Thanks for the added quote. There are several "unclean" conditions that would prevent a person from entering the "Temple", not a synogogue today. True, we don't have a temple standing today and we are not able to become ceremonially clean. We cannot take the position to look at those around us and label one as unclean for what ever reason. Remember the woman who had an "issue" for 12 years and came close to Yeshua to touch the hem of his garment? The point is, unless those who need to be healed are allowed to come close, the body of believers will be unable to touch them in Yeshua's Name. We all need to be as close to Adonai as we can and then be mainly concerned about our own condition each and every day.
Micha'el

[Micha'el]

Shalom again Dan,
I forgot to respond to your question, "So how do we apply these Levitical instructions today if we are to be observant?"
We cannot apply the Levitical instructions today. However, we can keep the where we are this day. Adonai knows the Temple was destroyed and He would only expect that which we are able to do. So, if we know what is right to do and we can do it but choose not to, I believe that is sin.
Micha'el

[alon]

Todah Micha'el. I kind of thought the strict observance would not be required, but had to ask. I lead a support group for people with chronic health problems at the AoG church where I worship 6 days until Shabbat. I have some serious health issues of my own.

As I indicated in the OP, I sort of saw a remez aspect though in my own attitude. I have to admit too, it wasn't the last time I lost it. Seems ha shatan does not like something I'm doing, praise God! But the attacks do get tiring. Anyway, thanks for the reply.

Dan C

[alon]

OK, now quite a few years later and this issue still comes up. A brother and me were talking about going out to eat, and there was a BBQ place close by I'd heard was good. But of course they served Pork in addition to beef. This comes up with pizzerias and other restaurants as well. Should we eat there knowing there is a high likelihood of cross-contamination? Or is it enough that we make sure there is no actual tumah meat on our food?

Interested in everyone's take on this, as opinions vary widely. BBQ placeOne rabbi told me that as long as there was a less than 20% chance of pork being cooked on the grill since it was last cleaned it was ok, as in some Jewish sects there is an "80/20 rule." That would likely have nixed the BBQ place (we didn't eat there anyhow). What say you all?      

[jimmie]

1 Kings 17:6 And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the brook.

Eating from the beak of an unclean animal or BBQ joint. If you are in dire straights - eat.