Pisqa’ 274¹

1

“Be careful” (Dt.24:8)—

this is a proscription.

“Regarding the plague-sign” (Dt.24:8)—

this is the white hair [in the bright spot].

“Of scaly flesh” (Dt.24:8)—

this is an area of livid flesh.

2

I might infer only that

[the rule applies at the onset of the disease,]

before the sign is implicated in uncleanness.

But how do I know

[to apply it] once the sign has been implicated in uncleanness,

and even after the victim is [cleansed and]

permitted [to re-enter the camp]?

The Teaching states:

“To scrupulously follow and do” (Dt.24:8)—

[from the onset till its conclusion].

3

I might infer only that

[this rule applies] to plague-signs afflicting humans.

How do I know that it applies

to plague-signs of garments

and plague-signs of houses?

The Teaching states:

“According to all that the levitical Priests instruct you” (Dt.24:8)—

[including plague-signs afflicting garments and houses as well].

4

I might infer only that

[this rule applies] once the victim is confirmed to be unclean.

How do I know that it applies [as well]

during the period of quarantine [prior to the declaration]?

The Teaching states:

“As I commanded them” (Dt.24:8).

5

I might infer only that

all the Priests [must agree on a diagnosis].

How do I know that even

a diagnosis declared by a minority of them [is valid] ?

The Teaching states:

“To scrupulously follow” (Dt.24:8)—

[even when only some offer an opinion].

“And do” (Dt.24:8)—

conduct life as usual

[while awaiting the decision],

and don’t worry that

your plague-sign has fallen out.²

1. H:268-269;JN2:219..
2. Cf. T. Neg. 3:2. It is forbidden to intentionally excise a plague-sign to avoid quarantine, but if it falls off in the course of normal activities, there is no punishment.