Q. Dear Rabbi, Attending a class on the weekly portion of the Torah, this question arouse. Why are we not careful today with skin discolorations treating them with creams and other methods of removal. Why are we not concerned maybe they are some kind of tzoraas, that you couldn't remove even before a cohen saw it? Nobody knew the answer.
A. It would seem from the fact that the Shulchan Aruch rules in regards to a Metzora not wearing Tefilin (O.C. 28,13) nor performing a Bris Milah on one afflicted with Tzoras (Y.D. 266,1), that the Halachos of a Metzora do apply in our days. It is well known that Shulchan Aruch omits laws that are not currently applicable, even though in actual practice we can not declare someone a Metzora today. He echoes the Rambam's opinion (Tumas Metzora 11,6). Toras Cohanim (beginning of Metzorah), quotes a story of Rabbi Tarfon, who lived right after the churban, and permitted three Metzoraim.
Poiskim differentiate between two aspects of this Mitzva. One is the obligation of showing the negah or afflicted area to the cohen, which applies only when we have cohanim that we are certain that are descendants of the original cohanim, and the prohibition of removing the negah, that may apply even today. (Bais Yosef Y.D. 322, Ridbaz Terumos 7, Minchas Chinuch 169, quoting a case of the Graz of Vilna, Chazon Ish 13,17). Others maintain that there is no distinction, and it does not pertain in our time at all (Maharsham 3,200). Haemek Shailah (Sheilta 88,1) mentions an additional reason; no one is today skilful enough to decide what is Tzoraas or not.
In practice, however, such whitish discolorations are uncommon, (Minchas Osher Vaikra 23, quoting Chazon Ish) and if they are removed by ointments or medication and not surgery, Poiskim argue that it is permitted (Lehoros Nosan quoted in Toras Chaim Vechesed p. 485). Others may permit even surgery if done by a Gentile surgeon. (ibid.)
Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit"a advises that this surgery should not be done for cosmetic purposes.
In a actual case, further Rabbinic consultation is certainly advisable.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit"a
Important Numbers
