In Parshat Tazria, we learn about the concept of ‘Tzaraat,’ often mistranslated as leprosy. However, Tzaraat is not merely a physical affliction, but a visible manifestation of a spiritual malady. Although Tzaraat was an affliction of the skin and the person afflicted would be isolated, unlike leprosy, the isolation of the Metzora (one who had Tzaraat) had nothing to do with contagion. This spiritual affliction portrayed by a physical condition provides us an opportunity to explore the psychological concept of somatization.
Somatization refers to the tendency for psychological distress or emotional issues to manifest as physical symptoms. These symptoms often have no apparent medical explanation or underlying physical cause. Somatization can encompass a wide range of physical complaints, such as headaches, stomachaches, fatigue, muscle pain, and various other bodily sensations. Individuals who somatize may frequently visit specialists seeking relief for their symptoms, unaware that the root cause may be psychological or spiritual. This phenomenon can be challenging to diagnose and treat, as the focus is often solely on alleviating the physical symptoms without addressing the underlying factors.
The Gemarah in Erchin 16a tells us that Tzaraat was actually a supernatural affliction that would usually come about due to a number of sins, most notably the sin of speaking lashon hara, evil speech. The concept of somatization aligns with the understanding that the person must not look at the physical aliment but rather the underlying reason the condition manifested, in this case, a spiritual one.
When examining Tzaraat through the lens of somatization, we understand that the gossip and slander described in the Torah aren't just damaging on a social level; they also harm the individual internally. Hashem causes the negativity and toxicity harbored within to manifest physically, serving as a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. In Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Tumat Tzaraat 16:10 the Rambam explains that the entire purpose of the affliction is to provide the person an opportunity to repent, leading to purification, which is the purpose of the progression of the visible Tzaraat. It starts on the walls of the house, then clothing, then skin – moving closer and closer to the human being as a continued signal to repent in their ways.
Moreover, the process of purification for Tzaraat involves introspection, repentance, and seeking forgiveness. This mirrors modern psychological practices where healing begins with acknowledging and addressing the root causes of distress. By confronting the negative behaviors and emotions that led to Tzaraat, the person can begin to purify themselves from these behaviors. In the seminal book on somatic work, The Body Keeps the Score, its quoted “As long as you keep secrets and suppress information, you are fundamentally at war with yourself…The critical issue is allowing yourself to know what you know. That takes an enormous amount of courage.” Sometimes a spiritual sign is needed to help us on our path towards awareness.
Here are three tips to reduce the impact of Somatization from physical and spiritual issues:
- Practice mindfulness: by focusing on harmonizing our body, mind, and spirit we allow ourselves to better be in tune to any tension we hold.
- Express yourself: by pouring out how we feel to Hashem in prayer and friends we allow our emotions to permeate our awareness.
- Being growth oriented: by constantly searching for signs to grow we allow ourselves to not wait for issues to arise but rather consistently work on bettering ourselves.
Author Peter A. Levine said, "Our capacity to heal is greater than our capacity to be wounded." Parshat Tazria serves as a poignant reminder of the connections between mind, body, and spirit and the profound impact our thoughts and actions can have on our physical health. Bnei Yisrael learned that our spiritual connection to each other and Hashem grow by noticing our failures and resolving them. May we all learn to notice the signs around us and within us to create a higher level of spiritual and emotional satisfaction.
Elan Javanfard, M.A., L.M.F.T. is a Consulting Psychotherapist focused on behavioral health redesign, a Professor of Psychology at Pepperdine University, & a lecturer related to Mindfulness, Evidence Based Practices, and Suicide Prevention. Elan is the author of Psycho-Spiritual Insights: Exploring Parasha & Psychology, weekly blog. He lives in Los Angeles Pico Robertson community with his wife and three children and can be reached at Elan.Javanfard@gmail.com.