Parshat Tazria describes various categories of tumah, or spiritual impurity,  such as tzora’at,  a disease that is a physical manifestation of spiritual malaise. It comes upon a person, primarily, for the sin of speaking ill of other people (lashon hara). In nature, it is similar to leprosy. A person afflicted with tzora'at is called a metzorah. The Torah describes the various forms and colors of the disease that can be found on a person's skin, head, beard and clothing, or on the walls of his house

Additionally, we read a portion of Parshat Bo (12:1-20) from a second Torah scroll this week.   This passage talks about the month of Nissan and the laws of Passover. The month of Nissan is unique because it comes first in the cycle of months (as opposed to the yearly cycle, which begins with Tishrei). It is also the month in which we were redeemed from Egypt and when we will greet the ultimate redemption in the future. Hence, we read this special extra portion this week, the Shabbat preceding the first of Nissan.