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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Vayikra
- Shmini
Our Rabbis discussed why this week was chosen as the time to read about Para Aduma. Some say that it is related to the fact that the month of Nisan is approaching, as the Para Aduma is needed to prepare people for partaking in the Korban Pesach. (Interestingly, both of them are called a chuka, which we usually translate as a mitzva whose reasoning is unknown to us). Indeed, in the desert, they burnt a slaughtered Para Aduma soon before the month of Nisan, in order to sprinkle its ashes on Bnei Yisrael right after the Mishkan was erected. Some explain that it has to do with our hope for ultimate redemption, which, sources indicate, will occur in Nisan, as the Para Aduma will return to use at that time.
We will try to explain the matter slightly differently. Rashi (based on a midrash) explains the opening of Parashat Para, "This the chuka of the Torah" (Bamidbar 19:2), as follows: "Because the Satan and the nations of the world scoff at Israel, saying: ‘What is this mitzva, and what reasoning does it have behind it?’ Therefore, it says that it is a chuka. It is a decree from before Me, and you do not have permission to cast aspersions on it." Rashi’s words teach us two principles.
Mitzvot have to pass the "test of common sense and logic." Since all of our actions have to be based on the rules of clear logic, the mitzvot, which are the basis of our lives, also have to meet these standards. To the extent that we do not conform to this rule, we will be allowing the Satan and the nations of the world to have claims against us.
Within the apparatus of mitzvot that conform to this idea of logic, there are a small number of mitzvot that are exceptions that are identified as chukim. If the exceptions turned into the rule, then Torah Judaism would turn into something distant from us. If one felt such was the situation, he would be susceptible to the arguments of the Satan. It is upon this backdrop that the midrash tells how even Moshe questioned Hashem about the logic of ashes purifying, until Hashem assured him that this is a chuka (Psikta D’Rav Kahane 4).
We all try to purify and improve our way of thinking, our actions and the status of our nation. We must always take steps in a manner that is measured, based on logic, and it is strictly forbidden to act irrationally, certainly not in a way that endangers oneself or the welfare of the nation. On the other hand, we must remember that not always will things be fully understood. There will be things that exceed human intellect.
We can illustrate this idea with the natural sciences, which, on the one hand, are explored with the idea that theories are to be analyzed and exposed to experimentation. Yet, one of the important ideas in particle physics is the principle of uncertainty. Let us express that in a different way. We will never know the answer to the paradox as to whether Schrodinger’s cat is alive or dead.
As Nisan and the season of liberation approaches, we need to know that our steps toward full liberation should be taken logically. Even though we have experienced miracles, such as the very establishment of the State of Israel, miracles are the exception. We should proceed in a manner that does not give the nations of the world unnecessary ammunition to attack our actions.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
Chukat "HOW ENTEBBE STOLE THE BICENTENNIAL
The Difference Between Historic & Eternal"
As we approach America's 250th birthday, it's worth remembering her 200th Bicentennial birthday, on Jul. 4th 1976, when Israel "stole the show" by shocking the world & miraculously saving 101 hostages in a foreign continent. As Pres. As Pres. Trump decides which countries get priority in his new Middle-East, it's worth reminding him of the difference between historic events and eternally historic ones. This obviously connects with this week's parsha, as well!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 6 - The Parable of the King of India
The advantages of testimony over circumstantial evidence or philosophical speculation.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.
