  Torah Sparks  April 5, 2008 – 29 Adar II 5768  Annual:
Leviticus 12:1 – 13:59 (Etz Hayim, p. 649; Hertz p. 460)
Triennial Cycle: Leviticus 12:1 – 13:39 (Etz Hayim p. 649; Hertz
p. 460) Maftir: Exodus 12:1 – 20 (Etz Hayim p. 380; Hertz p.
253) Haftarah: Ezekiel 45:16 – 46:18 (Etz Hayim p. 1291; Hertz
p. 1001)  Prepared by Rabbi Joyce Newmark Teaneck, New Jersey
Torah Portion Summary  When a woman gives birth, she enters a
state of ritual impurity. If she gives birth to a boy, she is in
a state of niddah (separation) for seven days, and she remains
ritually impure for 33 days. Following the birth of a girl the
corresponding periods are two weeks and 66 days. At the end of
this time she is to bring a burnt offering and a purification
offering and she is restored to a state of ritual purity.  God
instructs Moses and Aaron about tzara’at, a scaly skin disease
traditionally translated as “leprosy” but clearly not the
condition known today as Hansen’s disease. When a person
developed a rash or other signs of skin