Beit Midrash

  • Torah Portion and Tanach
  • Chukat
קטגוריה משנית
To dedicate this lesson

The Torah study is dedicatedto the full recovery of

Yehudah ben Hadasah Hinde Malkah

undefined
Few names of a parasha have inspired as much deep contemplation as that of Chukat, which begins with the words, "This is the chuka of the Torah". Rashi, understands it specifically in regard to using the para aduma (red heifer) for purification from impurity. He says that it is introduced in this way to indicate that this is a unique mitzva, the one whose reason cannot be explained. Therefore, we should not be perturbed when the nations of the world mock us for our inability to explain it. "It is a decree from before Me; you have no permission to cast aspersions on it." We see from Rashi’s approach that all of the Torah’s other mitzvot have rational reasons.

Rashi’s grandson, the Rashbam, understands these introductory words as connected to the ensuing discussion of the general laws of impurity involving the deceased, which is introduced by the words, "this is the Torah." Thus, the opening of the parasha is not a statement that sheds light on our view of the rest of the Torah.

The Ohr Hachayim understands that chuka is specifically related to the Torah as a whole (like Rashi) but that it does shed light on it in the following way. His kabbalisticly based explanation posits that the laws of impurity became necessary because we accepted the Torah. The higher spiritual level that comes from the Torah makes us more vulnerable to the effects of impurity. Forces try to disrupt our souls, which are more sensitive because of our connection to the Torah.

The Sefat Emet brings an idea that stems from a different approach to the root chakoh. This can mean engraved, as indeed the Torah is supposed to be engraved upon our hearts. There should be permanence and depth to our connection to the Torah, as Shamai said: "Make your Torah permanent" (Avot 1:15). The factor that constantly guides our actions first and foremost should be Torah. It is not that Shamai is telling us not to be involved in the "way of the world" (normal human activities). Rather, even when we are involved in worldly activities, the Torah that is engraved upon our hearts should be dominant in our decision making.

The midrash (P’sikta Rabbati 14) says that the para aduma is connected to the hachanasat orchim (welcoming of guests) that Avraham carried out. Avraham brought water for the angels to wash their feet and ran to the cattle. So too the purification of Avraham’s children comes from putting ashes from a cow into water and having it sprinkled on them.

Let us connect the idea of the midrash with that of the Sefat Emet, arriving at the following. Shamai continues, after discussing the permanence of Torah, by saying that you should greet everyone with an inviting face. Shamai demands that we should greet guests like Avraham. In this way, we make all parts of our life connected to Torah in the fullest sense, not only studying lofty principles, but also applying them in a warm and graceful manner, promising little and providing a lot.
fast navigation
Lessons
    undefined
    3 min
    Shlach Lecha

    For God's Sake Don't Go To Israel

    Israel National Torah

    Clarifying the spies' argument for not entering the Land of Israel...and then clarifying why it's so important to enter the Land anyway.

    Baruch Gordon | Sivan 19 5780
    undefined
    Bemare Habazak - Rabbis Questions

    Serving as Chazan on the Shabbat Before a Yahrtzeit

    How important is it for someone to be chazan on the Shabbat before a yahrtzeit? Is it is just for parents, or also grandparents/in laws? Some people in my [the rabbi] shul feel that people use it as an excuse to “grab the amud.”

    Rabbi Daniel Mann | Tevet 2 5777
    undefined
    Bemare Habazak - Rabbis Questions

    How Many Eggs Should be Boiled Together?

    When making hardboiled eggs, may one cook one or two eggs or must there be at least three? Also, does it make a difference if there is an even or odd number

    Rabbi Daniel Mann
    undefined
    P'ninat Mishpat

    Introduction and Biography of the Noda B’Yehuda

    After an extended period of presenting ideas of the Chatam Sofer on monetary disputes, we move on to a shorter series on the works of Rav Yechezkel Segal Landau, often called the Noda B’yehuda. (Although Rav Landau served as a dayan for many years, poskim do not usually publicize their rulings on cases in which they served as a dayan, but on questions asked by other rabbis. The Noda B’yehuda did not include many such cases in his reponsa.) Many view the Chatam Sofer and the Noda B’Yehuda as two of a kind. They were in the same basic time period (Rav Landau was around 50 years older), they were important rabbis of important communities at critical times, and the works of each are among the most respected and quoted by Acharonim.

    Various Rabbis | Tevet 8 5776
    undefined
    Bemare Habazak - Rabbis Questions

    Working in a Non-Kosher Establishment

    Rabbi Daniel Mann | Sivan 14 5775
    undefined
    Prayer

    Birkot HaShachar – The Morning Blessings

    Chapter nine-part one

    Chapter nine-part one

    Rabbi Eliezer Melamed | 5775
    undefined
    Jewish Holidays

    The Twentieth of Sivan

    "I noticed that the back of my siddur contains a large section devoted to selichos for the 20th of Sivan, yet I have never davened in a shul that observed this day. What does this date commemorate?"

    Rabbi Yirmiyohu Kaganoff | Sivan 17 5780
    undefined
    Additional Lessons

    The Laws of Tumas Meis

    When the Beis Hamikdash is rebuilt, bimheirah beyameinu, the laws of tumah will affect us all, since we will be required to be tahor in order to enter the Beis Hamikdash, to eat korbanos and maaser sheini, and in order to separate challah and terumah.

    Rabbi Yirmiyohu Kaganoff | 5772
    undefined
    Various Subjects

    Redeeming a Firstborn Donkey!

    The Mitzvah of redeeming the first born Donkey - a long lost Halacha or a practical law for Donkey owners and riders in today's times ??

    Rabbi Yirmiyohu Kaganoff | 5770
    undefined
    Basics of Financial Laws

    How Does a Heter Iska Work?

    What is the prohibition of "Ribbit"? who does it apply on? How does the "Heter Iska" bypass the prohibition? and more...

    Rabbi Yirmiyohu Kaganoff | 5770
    undefined
    Marriage and Relationships

    Relationships during the Time of Engagement

    A young engaged man and his fiancée naturally have very strong feelings for each other. It goes without saying that these will be expressed after the wedding, but what expression, if any, is permitted in the meantime? And while we're on the subject, is the attraction of men and women to each other really a good thing to begin with?

    Rabbi Elyakim Levanon | 5770
    undefined
    Brachot on Food and on Smell

    Pizza, Pretzels and Pastry

    When is the Bracha Hamotzi and when is it a Mezonot?

    Rabbi Yirmiyohu Kaganoff
את המידע הדפסתי באמצעות אתר yeshiva.org.il