The teachings of the First Lubavitcher Rebbe, the Alter Rebbe, remind us to “live with the times,” not like the New York Times or modern fashion, but rather to embrace the timeless wisdom of the Torah that resonates with each week’s Torah Portion. This wisdom offers insights relevant to navigating life’s challenges in the present day.

For instance, this week’s Torah portion, Parshas Tazria, which explores laws concerning purity, impurity, and childbirth, can be illuminated in connection with the upcoming holiday of Passover, drawing upon the rich teachings of Chassidus.

Parshas Tazria delves into the symbolism of childbirth, representing new life and renewal. Similarly, Passover marks the birth of the Jewish nation through their liberation from slavery in Egypt, a spiritual rebirth coinciding with the Spring season. During Passover, families unite to recount the Exodus story, fostering a sense of renewal and commitment to their heritage.

Additionally, the laws of purity and impurity in Parshas Tazria underscore the significance of spiritual purity and sanctity. Passover, with its focus on removing chametz (leavened bread) from our homes, and then burning it, mirrors a spiritual purification process. Just as the Israelites purified themselves before the revelation at Mount Sinai, we engage in spiritual cleansing during Passover in preparation for its profound significance.

In Kabbalistic tradition, the afflictions described in Parshas Tazria serve as metaphors for spiritual ailments such as arrogance, gossip, and slander. Symbolically, Chametz is fluffy and expanded – leavened bread. Metaphorically, this is like someone who thinks too highly of himself – all puffed up and arrogant. As we rid our homes of chametz before Passover, we also strive to eliminate negative traits, purifying ourselves. The process of self-reflection and repentance during Passover is crucial for transcending personal limitations or meitzarim, a cognate of the word, Mitzrayim – Egypt – the place that was nearly impossible to escape.

In a familiar Chabad calendar, Hayom Yom, there is a daily story or word of Torah. The entry for the 27^th of Tammuz says: A brilliant and renowned scholar, exceptionally gifted and remarkably profound in his studies, came to Liozna and threw himself into the study of Chassidus. With his powerful intellectual propensity, he amassed, within a short time, a great and broad knowledge in Chassidic philosophy. At his first private audience or yechidus with the Alter Rebbe, he asked: “Rebbe, what do I lack?” The Rebbe replied: “You lack nothing, for you are G-d-fearing and a scholar. You do need, however, to rid yourself of the chametz — awareness of self and arrogance — and to bring in matzah, which is bittul, renunciation of self.”

Passover commemorates not only the physical liberation of the Israelites but also their spiritual emancipation from internal bondage, symbolizing our ongoing quest for personal and collective redemption. As we approach these upcoming weeks, beginning with Parshas Tazria, let us journey toward purification, renewal, and redemption in all aspects of our lives. And may our thoughts extend to our brethren in Israel, praying for their true freedom from the current hardships they face.

Rus Devorah Wallen is an accomplished musician, performer, social worker, psychotherapist, and educator.