** In times like this, it's even more critical to do Mitzvot (good deeds). Guarantee yourself the mitzvah of Tzedakah every day by signing up for www.dailygiving.org. You give $1 a day (Daily Giving collects it from you monthly or annually), they aggregate everyone's dollars and give it to a different worthy charity every day! Join today and watch those dollars add up to help people around the world! ** Welcome to another short, practical Lelamed Weekly Dvar. Please stay safe and healthy... _______________________________________________ Parshat Tazria details the procedures for a person afflicted with Tzara’at, including inspections and declarations by a local Kohen (priest). In the 47 pessukim (verses) that discuss the affliction, the Kohen is mentioned 45 times. Could the Torah not have said that a Kohen monitors the entire process? Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky explains that it is easy for a person to feel alone because part of the healing process includes quarantine. Although the Kohen is the one to declare the affliction initially, he must also be there to compassionately provide support through the seclusion period, as well as the reintegration back into society. It’s so important that people don’t feel alone that the Torah highlighted it 45 times. As we all go through Covid-19 lock-downs in relative isolation, we are reminded that we need to support each other, especially when times are tough. Sharing the burden of others can transform a challenging experience into a meaningful expression of compassion. _______________________________________________ Quotation of the week: "True compassion means not only feeling another's pain but also being moved to help relieve it."