Week of June 30 to July 4

Our Torah reading, known as “laws,” i.e. statutes that are difficult to understand via our reasoned thinking, is a basic place for mystery in religion. This parashah deals with the “red heifer,” that is to be totally consumed, its ashes mixed with water which become the source of purification for one who has become “impure.”  Hence, a person who has come into contact with a corpse is rendered impure and must be cleansed.

Rashi points to the mysterious nature of this teaching in his midrash on the term “chukkat,” rendered decree or ritual law. Rashi notes: “since the Satan or the nations of the world taunt Israel, saying, “what is this law all about and what is its rationale,” the Torah thus calls it a “chukkah,” it is God’s decree and we must not question it.” 

Hence we now have more questions about ritual purification, and the means by which a person can become cleansed, or purified. Ultimately the entire ritual is a paradox.

Join us for a wonderful Torah study this Shabbat morning.