Metzorah: Revid haZahav: Different Generations

“And if he is poor and cannot afford (Vayikra 14:21).” We often hear and read how earlier generations went through a complex and demanding process of Teshuvah, adding fasts and physical deprivation. However, “And if he is poor and cannot afford,” a generation such as ours, which is spiritually poor and weak, does not have the strength for such a demanding Teshuva process. Such a generation must use Torah study to achieve what earlier generations achieved with their fasting and afflictions. “This is the Torah of the Metzorah,” it is Torah that will heal him from his spiritual afflictions, “And if he is poor and cannot afford,” for the one who is spiritually poor.