What is the role of the Beit HaMikdash in society, and where should we focus our efforts in relating to the missing Mikdash? Verses from the Book of Malachi, specifically ones from the Haftara for Shabbat Hagadol, highlight this question. Are we to focus on the Mikdash specifically, or building a foundation of a good and just society - or might elements of both be appropriate?
We turn to Parashat Tazria - Metzora and consider the different types of tzaraat mentioned in the Torah, while beginning to get into the mindest of the metzora. What is the significance of each type of tzaraat (tzaraat of the body, clothing, or house), and what is the relative severity of each? What significance is there in the order of the different types?