Pertinacious Progeny

“If a person has a wound of tzaraas, he should be brought to the Kohein.” (Vayikra 13:9)

Chazal say the words, “he should be brought to a Kohein,” to teach that even a Kohein himself must go to another Kohein to determine the status of his own nega’im. Why? Says the Gemara (Negaim 2:5), “A person can see all afflictions besides his own” (Rav Yaakov Neiman, Darchei Mussar).

I faced my grandson determinedly, feeling slightly ridiculous with this standoff. “No, Savta doesn’t let you bring the tricycle inside. You can ride it outside.”

“Uh-uh,” he said, his chin set stubbornly as he stood his ground. “I want to ride inside.”

“If you want to ride inside you can take the small plastic car. But not the tricycle. Tricycles are for outside.”

Looking down at his adorable little face, I wanted to laugh, but kept my expression carefully stern. I was the adult here and needed to enforce my rules. But I couldn’t help inwardly laughing at this battle of wills. It takes one to know one.