Must a Metzora become Tahor Immediately?

An Overview of a Shiur by Rav Moshe Zev Granek on Parshas Metzora

(זאת תהיה תורת המצורע והובא אל הכהן (ויקרא יד:א

Why does the pasuk say he is brought to
the kohen if he may not enter the machaneh?

  • Ramban interpreting Toras Kohanim – It means he must make himself tahor as soon as possible.
  • Binyan
    Tzion
    (Chadashos 127) interpreting Toras Kohanim — There is no chiyuv to wait like there is for a zav (who waits shiva nekiyim).

Are there other sources that a metzora must
become tahor immediately?

  • Gemara (Chullin 141a) – Hava Amina that mitzva of taharas metzora would override the mitzva of shiluach hakein and one may take a mother bird and
    chicks if no other birds are available.

    • Kehilos
      Yaakov
      (Yoma 21) – This proves that metzora must become tahor immediately.
    • Dvar
      Avraham
      – It only proves that shalom bayis of metzora (who hasn’t been with his wife) is doche shiluach hakein, but not mitzva of taharas metzora alone. 
  • Gemara (Yevamos 5b) – Metzora must shave all of
    his hair including the pe’os, showing aseh doche lo taaseh.

    • Chazon
      Ish
      /Gra – the aseh is taharas metzora.