Parshat Metzora (Diseased)

The Torah portion is Metzora, Leviticus 14:1-15:33.

The name of this parshah is related to the word tzara'at, a condition often mistranslated as leprosy. The parshah continues the discussion of tzara'at, verifying that the condition has been resolved and specifying the offerings to be made at that time and the procedures to follow. It discusses the contamination of a building with tzara'at. It also discusses a man's ritual impurity caused by semen leakage and a woman's ritual impurity caused by menstruation.

The haftarah is for Shabbat Ha-Gadol, Malachi 3:4-24. As with many of the Prophets, Malachi tells the people that they have sinned, but promises reward if they return. He foretells the return of Elijah on "the great" (ha-gadol) day. Elijah is traditionally a guest at the Passover seder.