Parashat Tazria: A Funeral and a Brit Milah

In the poignant narrative of Parashat Tazria, Rabbi Meir Soloveichik intertwines the themes of life, death, and the enduring spirit of the Jewish people. The story begins with the funeral of Staff Sergeant Elisha Yehonatan Lober, whose life was celebrated with profound faith and unity, as his family and nation mourned his loss. This event is juxtaposed with the birth and circumcision of his son, symbolizing the Jewish commitment to life and continuity even amidst tragedy. Rabbi Soloveichik reflects on the Jewish love of life, a sentiment echoed in the Torah's laws of impurity, which emphasize the sanctity of life by keeping reminders of death away from sacred spaces. This love of life is further highlighted by the commandment of circumcision on the eighth day, a ritual that symbolizes hope and renewal, transcending even the sanctity of the Sabbath.