Parshat Tazria (She Conceives)

The Torah portion is Tazria, Leviticus 12:1-13:59.

This parshah speaks of ritual purity and offerings made in various medical situations: a woman after childbirth and a skin condition called tzara'at (often translated as leprosy, but it is clearly something else as it also affects clothes and buildings). It discusses the temporary period of ritual impurity, the offerings made and the treatment of tzara'at. The commandment of circumcision also appears in this portion.

The haftarah is II Kings 4:42-5:19. Like the Torah portion, this passage speaks of treating tzara'at.