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Based on Likutey Moharan lesson 24:
Likutey Halakhot, Orach Chaim, Nefilat Apayim #4 012-2
The goal is to experience afterwards the fermentation and waiting period of Chametz which is reflected in the waiting period between Pesach and Shavuot, with the climax being the the Chametz offering of Shavuot representing the root and holy source of Chametz. etc.
Following the tragic passing of Aharon’s two sons, Hashem instructs Moshe to teach Aharon the laws of Yom Kippur and entering the Holy of Holies. As Rashi points out, Aharon must heed these instructions to avoid meeting the fate of his sons, who perished for offering unauthorized fire before Hashem.
The Torah emphasizes Aharon’s meticulous observance of the procedures for entering the Holy of Holies, highlighting the contrast between his actions and the misdeeds of Nadav and Avihu.
Nadav and Avihu’s failure to marry is emphasized as a significant flaw. According to Reb Noson, their unmarried status was a primary reason for their punishment, as highlighted in the Gemara. In contrast, the laws of Yom Kippur stress the necessity for the High Priest to be married. Reb Noson delves into the symbolic significance of marriage, likening it to the sanctity of entering the Holy of Holies on Yom Kippur.
There are ten levels of holiness that descend upon the world. Specifically, in Eretz Yisrael, all ten levels are present, particularly within the Holy of Holies in the Beit HaMikdash. This sacred space encompasses the full spectrum of these ten levels. From there, the degrees of holiness descend through Yerushalayim, into the Azara, and further down. Even a typical city in Eretz Yisrael holds a certain level of holiness, albeit lower.
On the tenth day of Tishrei, the Kohen Gadol enters the Holy of Holies, emphasizing the significance of the number ten. This numerical motif recurs throughout various contexts: the ten utterances of creation, the ten sefirot in Kabbalistic tradition, the Ten Commandments, and the ten plagues, among others. This repetition begs the question: why this emphasis on the number ten?
Reb Noson explores this extensively, highlighting the tenth level of holiness as the Keter, the crown. The Keter represents the highest level of holiness, beyond our comprehension.
The nine levels leading up to the Keter are accessible to us, representing our potential to achieve righteousness and holiness. Yet, the Keter remains beyond our reach. Beyond the Keter lies the Infinite Light of Hashem, the most elevated state beyond existence.
On Yom Kippur, the Kohen Gadol seeks atonement and forgiveness by accessing this highest realm of holiness. The Kohen Gadol, entering the Holy of Holies, taps into the level of the Keter once a year, activating profound healing and compassion from this superlative source.
Let’s delve deeper into the requirement for the Kohen Gadol to be married. Nadav and Avihu, by contrast, were not married. So, what’s the significance of marriage? Reb Noson sheds light on the role of a righteous woman, drawing from a verse in Proverbs: “Eshet Chayil Ateret Ba’ala” – “The woman of valor is the crown of her husband.” Here, “Ateret” and “Keter” share the meaning of a crown, symbolizing the woman’s elevated status.
On one hand, a wife acts as an “Ezer,” an assistant to her husband, aiding him in his devotion to Hashem. She has her own mitzvot, but her primary role, as the Torah states, is to assist the man. Reb Noson explains that although she assists, she is rooted in the Keter, above the man’s level.
Rebbe Nachman further elaborates on this concept in Lesson 24 of Likutey Moharan, linking “Keter” to the Aramaic word “Katar,” meaning “to wait.” Just as Elihu said to Job, “Katar li ze’er v’achaveka” – “Wait for me a little, and I will show you” (Job 36:2), accessing the Keter requires a waiting process. This waiting, akin to setbacks, signifies spiritual advancement, preparing one to receive the Infinite Light safely.
By enduring the waiting process, a person develops the vessels necessary to receive the higher spiritual levels. Attempting to access these levels prematurely can result in spiritual peril. Thus, the waiting period serves as a crucial step in building the capacity to safely receive the Divine Light.
The role of a woman as “Ateret Ba’ala,” the crown of her husband, is pivotal. She maintains a delicate balance for the man, ensuring he progresses at a suitable pace. While men often strive forward in holiness, women serve as a grounding force, nudging them back when necessary. Reb Noson explains this dynamic, highlighting how women, intuitively sensing a man’s readiness to ascend spiritually, impose delays to facilitate proper preparation.
For the Kohen Gadol to access the tenth level of holiness within the Holy of Holies on Yom Kippur, he requires access to the Keter, symbolized by his wife. Reb Noson emphasizes that the woman plays a crucial role in regulating the man’s spiritual journey, ensuring he doesn’t rush ahead prematurely. This waiting period is essential for him to properly receive the light of the Keter.
The significance of marriage is evident in the tragedy of Nadav and Avihu. They entered the Holy of Holies without permission, driven by impatience and lacking the stabilizing influence of marriage. Had they been married, they would have understood the necessity of patience and proper timing.
Hashem instructs Aharon on the meticulous preparations required for entering the Holy of Holies on Yom Kippur, emphasizing the importance of waiting and being married. Only after this waiting process, coupled with the stability provided by marriage, can one enter the Holy of Holies. “Bezot Yavo Aharon” – “With this shall Aharon come,” highlighting the culmination of the waiting process and the adherence to marital sanctity before entering.
The Zohar delves deeply into the phrase “Bezot Yavo Aharon,” translating to “With this shall Aharon come,” or more precisely, “With these things.” According to Kabbalistic teachings, “Bezot” refers to the lowest sefirah, Malkhut. Essentially, it suggests that Aharon’s entry into the Holy of Holies is contingent upon the elevation of Malkhut.
But what does “Zot” signify? Rebbe Nachman elucidates that our earthly task is to elevate Hashem’s kingship, representing His Divine Presence, from the depths of exile’s filth and darkness into holiness. This elevation is achieved through joy and the joyful performance of mitzvot. Thus, “Bezot Yavo Aharon” implies that Aharon’s entry into the Holy of Holies hinges upon elevating Malkhut from its current state of impurity and sadness through joyous observance of mitzvot.
In the Beit HaMikdash, joy was a prerequisite for service. The Zohar even suggests that a sad Kohen was unfit for Temple service. The Levites played music to maintain a joyous atmosphere, enhancing the Kohanim’s performance. Joy is essential for mitzvah observance, and transforming sadness into joy is integral to this process.
Marriage plays a crucial role in this dynamic. The wife, as the crown and rooted in the Keter, often pulls the man down, presenting challenges that can evoke sadness. However, the man’s task is to transform these challenges into joy. Though challenging, this transformation elevates Malkhut into holiness, as it symbolizes the proper reception and integration of the Divine Light.
The Torah’s message in “Bezot Yavor Aharon” encapsulates the pivotal difference between Aharon and his sons in their marital status. The unmarried sons, though righteous, lacked the grounding influence of marriage, leading to their untimely demise. They rushed into holiness without the necessary boundaries.
In contrast, Aharon’s marriage symbolized his ability to transform challenges into joy, crucial for accessing the Holy of Holies on Yom Kippur. This underscores the significance of marriage in spiritual elevation. The Mishnah in Yoma further emphasizes this by mandating that if a Kohen Gadol loses his wife, he must remarry before performing the Yom Kippur service.
Reb Noson delves into the profound differences between Matzah and Chametz and why Chametz is strictly forbidden during the seven days of Pesach. Reb Noson elucidates a verse concerning the receiving of the Torah. The verse is when the Jews proclaimed, “Kol asher diber Hashem na’aseh v’nishma,” – “Everything that God has spoken, we will do and we will listen.” This renowned verse recounts the moment when Moshe asked the Jewish people if they were ready to receive the Torah, to establish a connection and covenant with God. The Jewish response, “na’aseh v’nishma,” signifies their commitment to first do and then understand. This declaration is praised highly in the Gemara and the Midrash, highlighting the Jewish people’s willingness to act before fully comprehending.
Reb Noson poses a significant question: How can one act before understanding what needs to be done? The verse itself, however, holds the answer. “Kol asher diber Hashem,” whatever God commands us to do – whether observing Shabbat, wearing Tefillin, donning Tzitzit, or fasting on Yom Kippur, etc. – “na’aseh v’nishma,” we will do and then understand. Thus, the initial commitment is to perform the commandments, and then comes the understanding. Reb Noson further explains that while the Jews are praised for prioritizing action (“na’aseh”) over understanding (“nishma”), they already possess knowledge of what needs to be done (“Kol asher diber Hashem”). This begs the question: What does “v’nishma” truly entail if they already know what to do?
Reb Noson highlights the greatness of the Jewish people in their willingness to obey without questioning – a testament to their simple faith. Whatever Hashem commands, we accept without hesitation and seek understanding afterward. Reb Noson interprets the verse as follows: “Kol asher diber Hashem” – whatever Hashem commands, we will do upon hearing. After demonstrating our commitment through action, we will then seek to understand. This approach mirrors a child’s education. Initially, they are presented with facts: Creation, our patriarchs, Moshe, the Exodus, the Ten Plagues, Mount Sinai, entry into the Holy Land, and the Temple, etc.. The child accepts these teachings unquestioningly, as is natural. Similarly, Am Yisroel acts on faith, trusting that what they are instructed to do is correct, before seeking comprehension. This faith-driven commitment defines the Jewish people. We adhere to Hashem, the Torah, and the tzaddikim, obeying without question. Understanding comes later, after we have demonstrated our willingness to act.
Rebbe Nachman, in his Aleph-Bet book, Sefer HaMidot, expands on this notion in the context of repentance. He states that when a Jew seeks to serve Hashem, Hashem responds as if to the soul: “I understand your desire to connect with me and comprehend the Torah’s depth. Yet, I need assurance of your commitment. Therefore, initially, serve Mewith simple faith, without deep understanding. This period of faithful service will serve as proof of one’s dedication. Only then will the deeper truths of the Torah be revealed to you”.
Reb Noson beautifully articulates the essence of Am Yisrael – our willingness to act on faith before seeking understanding. This stands in stark contrast to skeptics, atheists, and intellectuals who prioritize comprehension over faith. They insist on understanding concepts fully before committing to observance, a mindset categorized by arrogance and skepticism. The Jewish approach, however, places emunah (faith) above da’at (knowledge). We absorb knowledge without fully grasping its depth, promptly integrating it into our faith. This approach embodies the greatness of Am Yisrael and lies at the heart of Pesach and Matzah.
Matzah represents a level of intellect beyond immediate comprehension, necessitating a leap of faith to connect with it. On Pesach, a profound light descends, symbolizing Divine revelation, which the Jewish people accept wholeheartedly with emunah. Rashi, quoting the sages, recounts the Jews’ departure from Egypt, emphasizing their unwavering trust in Moshe Rabbeinu’s directives. This trust stemmed from the overwhelming light of emunah shining upon them, prompting their unquestioning acceptance.
Chametz, symbolizing fermentation and also intellectual fermentation, represents a later stage, appropriate for Shavuot. The offering of Chametz loaves on Shavuot signifies the culmination of understanding, earned through the initial acceptance of emunah on Pesach. This progression from Matzah to Chametz mirrors the journey from faith to understanding, culminating in a deeper intellectual appreciation of Divine wisdom.
In contrast to the approach of the world, where understanding precedes faith, the Jewish perspective advocates for faith preceding understanding. Attempting to comprehend God and the Torah from a standpoint tainted by one’s past mistakes and impurities is futile. Instead, one should acknowledge their limitations and lack of clarity and embrace faith. Even individuals burdened by their shortcomings can gain understanding through faith, symbolized by the transition from Matzah to Chametz.
Pesach embodies this notion, where the Jewish people accept Divine revelation with unwavering faith. Matzah, often referred to as the bread of faith, symbolizes this reliance on faith alone for understanding. The period of Sefirat HaOmer follows, preparing us for Shavuot, where intellectual comprehension is granted with the assistance of faith.
On Pesach, the focus is on faith. While the Haggadah is studied and discussed extensively, it is crucial to infuse everything with faith. While explaining the Haggadah’s narrative, which we are obligated to do, especially for children, it’s essential to emphasize that our understanding is limited, and much remains beyond our grasp. This acknowledgment underscores the essence of the Haggadah and the Seder night – faith.
In Likutey Moharan lesson 24, Rebbe Nachman teaches that the ultimate purpose of knowledge is to recognize its limits – to understand how much we don’t know. This realization leads us to rely on faith. Pesach embodies this principle, as Rebbe Nachman further explains that Pesach’s sanctity is dependent on one’s joy on Purim. The joy we cultivate on Purim correlates directly with the depth of holiness and faith experienced on Pesach.
The light of faith that illuminates Pesach night is profoundly transformative, offering spiritual renewal and a fresh start to all who seek it. It rejuvenates even the weariest souls, empowering them to reconnect with Hashem at a deeper level.
May we all merit to bask in the radiance of Matzah – the light of faith, and the faith of intellect – and progress toward the ultimate goal of receiving the Torah on Shavuot. There, we can embrace the concept of Chametz, representing the maturation and development of our understanding.
As we celebrate, let us be liberated from atheistic and skeptical thoughts that hinder our connection to faith. Instead, may we all become people of unwavering faith. Amen.
If you have been inspired by this class/lecture please share it with your friends etc. Thank you.
Based on Likutey Moharan lesson 24:
Likutey Halakhot, Orach Chaim, Nefilat Apayim #4 012-1
The big light and experience of the first night of Pesach is then taken away totally after the first day of Pesach, with an impression left meant to help a person reconnect through the waiting and countdown period of the Sefirat HaOmer, until one merits to receive the Torah on Shavuot through doing mitzvot and good deeds with joy etc.
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Parshat Shemini addresses the sudden demise of Nadav and Avihu, the sons of Aaron HaKohen. The passage unequivocally states that they presented a foreign fire, Esh Zarah, when offering the Ketoret without Divine command. Rashi adds that they were unmarried. Another aspect is their intoxication. Furthermore, they purportedly issued halakhic rulings in the presence of Moshe Rabbeinu. All these factors are attributed to the fate of Nadav and Avihu. While their bodies remained intact, their souls were consumed by holy fire, leaving them lifeless.
Reb Noson delves deeply into the significance of the death of Nadav and Avihu and its broader implications. First, regarding their unmarried status, Reb Noson explains that marriage serves to balance a man. The inherent tendency of individuals, particularly those knowledgeable, is to constantly pursue, advance, and seek deeper understanding. However, Rebbe Nachman teaches in Lesson 24 that true knowledge is attained through halting, pausing, and settling the mind. This settled state allows one to become a vessel for perceiving the Infinite Light, the pinnacle of wisdom attainable. Yet, if one is constantly in a state of pursuit, it becomes impossible to achieve this profound perception.
In marriage, the role of the woman, referred to as “Eshet Chayil Ateret Ba’ala (A woman of valor is a crown to her husband)”, from the verse in Proverbs, is crucial. Ateret, meaning crown, corresponds to the sephira Keter, acting as the intermediary between humanity and the Infinite Light. Keter has the function of halting those whose minds are continuously seeking to perceive and advance, providing the necessary pause for mental settling. Once the mind is settled, one can perceive the Infinite Light. Therefore, a woman of valor plays the pivotal role of putting her husband on pause, facilitating the mental settling required for perceiving deeper wisdom. This underscores the sacredness of the role of a wife and the institution of marriage.
Nadav and Avihu, lacking this marital balance, were perpetually in pursuit mode, striving to advance continuously. While this pursuit is admirable, it remains incomplete. True wisdom lies in acknowledging the extent of one’s ignorance. The ultimate aim of wisdom is recognizing the vast expanse of what is yet to be known. Embracing this state of not knowing elevates one to higher levels of understanding, marking a never-ending journey of knowing, not knowing, and striving for deeper comprehension. Nadav and Avihu’s deficiency stemmed from their lack of the pause and balance that marriage provides.
Secondly, the sages suggest that Nadav and Avihu were in a state of Shtuyei Yayin, meaning they were intoxicated or tipsy. This condition implies an unsettled mind, which is incompatible with perceiving the Infinite Light. Their minds were operating in a mode of constant pursuit, lacking the necessary brakes for mental balance. Despite their elevated spiritual status as tzaddikim, their behavior resembled that of drunkenness. The imbalance induced by drunkenness mirrors the lack of restraint in a mind consumed by endless pursuit of knowledge. However, without the necessary pause or brakes, such a relentless pursuit poses a danger, akin to a potential mental crash, akin to the state of a drunken mind.
Thirdly, they are faulted for presumptuously ruling on halakhic matters in the presence of their Rav – Moshe Rabeinu. Such audacity suggests a severe imbalance in their minds. This imbalance arises when an individual erroneously believes they possess complete understanding, leading them to assert themselves in matters of Jewish law before their teacher. This behavior constitutes a blemish, an impairment, indicating a fundamental flaw. Despite their elevated status as tzaddikim, the Torah holds Nadav and Avihu accountable for these shortcomings.
Reb Noson underscores the importance of achieving Yishuv HaDa’at, a settled mind, noting that even the greatest tzaddikim can stumble in this regard. He cites the example of Shimon and Levi, the brothers of Joseph the Righteous, renowned tzaddikim in their own right. Yet, their perception was distorted, leading them to wrongly conclude that Joseph deserved death. This erroneous judgment resulted from a subtle but significant blemish in their perspective. From this flaw, subsequent generations suffered, as evidenced by the descendants of Shimon and Levi, namely Zimri and Korach.
Zimri, despite his scholarly status, sought to permit public immorality, while Korach coveted personal honor and openly challenged the authority of Moses and Aaron. Their actions reveal a profound lack of Yishuv HaDa’at, a settled mind, despite their scholarly attainments. Reb Noson emphasizes that this imbalance carries significant consequences in life. Thus, he advocates for striving towards Yishuv HaDa’at, achieved through a balance of pursuit and restraint. This balance was notably absent in Nadav and Avihu, highlighting the importance of achieving a settled mind.
Furthermore, they offered Ketoret. Rebbe Nachman extols Ketoret as profoundly significant, as it has the power to evoke joy. Joy, Rebbe Nachman teaches, is essential for achieving a settled mind. This settled state necessitates balance, restraint, and acceptance of setbacks and pauses in a proper manner, all of which are facilitated by joy. Ketoret serves as the catalyst for activating this joy.
One might question why, if Nadav and Avihu offered Ketoret, they weren’t protected from harm. The answer lies in understanding the limitations of Ketoret. When offered at the right time and for the right reasons – by the Kohen at the prescribed times or in our modern context, during the shacharit and mincha prayers – Ketoret can indeed generate positivity and open the door to the Infinite Light. However, in the case of Nadav and Avihu, their actions revealed a lack of commitment to joy. Their unmarried status and relentless pursuit of knowledge indicated a disregard for joy, which stems from appreciation, acknowledgment of setbacks, and humility.
Despite their elevated status as tzaddikim, their actions exhibited a subtle yet significant blemish – a refusal to submit to the authority of Moshe Rabbeinu. In essence, they displayed a form of arrogance or stubbornness by proceeding without permission. In such a state, the Ketoret could not provide protection. Ketoret is effective when performed according to the instructions and guidance of the tzaddikim, who emphasize its role in activating joy. When carried out in this manner, Ketoret fulfills its intended purpose. Whether through recitation today or in the time of the Beit HaMikdash when the Kohanim conducted the ritual, Ketoret is effective only when aligned with Divine commandments, as opposed to personal intentions, as was the case with Nadav and Avihu.
In conclusion, achieving balance is paramount in every stage of life. This equilibrium is particularly challenging for Jews undergoing teshuva or converts, who often yearn to embrace the light and flee from darkness. While this impulse is understandable, true completion lies in cultivating a settled mind, which is essential for perceiving Godliness in life. Life itself, with its myriad setbacks, teaches the value of patience and waiting, enabling one to prepare their mind to receive Divine guidance and clarity from the Infinite Light.
Let us learn from the example of Nadav and Avihu, emphasizing patience and the importance of handling matters properly. Additionally, let us recognize the value of marriage, where the role of the wife in applying brakes to the husband’s pursuits is crucial. Furthermore, let us heed Rebbe Nachman’s caution against excessive drinking. While Purim and certain ritual occasions permit it, optional drinking for mere merriment is discouraged. Instead, Rebbe Nachman advocates for cultivating happiness through personal effort, and not that found in a “bottled” version.
May we internalize these lessons and proceed with caution, advancing in life with the guidance of God.
Following Purim is an amazing Shabbat called Shabbat Parah. This year, due to it being a leap year, it coincides with Parshat Tzav. Parshat Tzav elaborates on the guidelines and details of sacrifices introduced in Parshat Vayikra, including the Korban Todah, or the Thanksgiving offering. The Korban Todah is given by four types of people, each in a different scenario of danger, expressing gratitude to Hashem for the miraculous deliverance. These groups include those who emerged safely from the desert, those released from incarceration, individuals who recovered from severe illness, and those rescued from peril at sea.
Remarkably, the Korban Todah comprises 40 loaves of bread, featuring four distinct types with ten loaves of each. These include Challat Matzot, Rekikin, Murbechet, and actual Hametz. Notably, Hametz’s inclusion is unusual, as offerings typically exclude leavening agents, adhering strictly to Matzah without any souring or yeast. This anomaly underscores the significance of the Korban Todah in its unique composition.
Reb Noson delves into the intricate details of the Korban Todah, elucidating its profound significance and the expansive nature of gratitude. He illustrates how the four types of individuals mandated to offer this sacrifice on a personal level represent diverse scenarios.
Firstly, there are those who feel spiritually adrift, akin to traversing a desert without direction. Despite the arduous journey, when one reaches out to Hashem and emerges from this spiritual desert, gratitude and joy abound. However, this transformation requires a prerequisite of personal fortitude—strengthening oneself amidst adversity.
Secondly, there are individuals who sense confinement, akin to being imprisoned by life’s obstacles. Overcoming such impediments elicits profound thanksgiving, necessitating the cultivation of inner strength and resilience amidst frustration.
Thirdly, there are those spiritually ailing, grappling with confusion and lethargy akin to a debilitating illness. Overcoming such spiritual malaise demands fortitude against succumbing to despair, leading to a renewal of gratitude upon emergence.
Lastly, there are those who face the tumultuous seas of spiritual struggle, experiencing highs and lows akin to being lifted to the heavens only to plummet to the depths. Amidst this daunting journey, maintaining joy is paramount to stave off despair, ultimately culminating in expressions of gratitude upon safe passage.
These narratives underscore the transformative power of gratitude in navigating life’s diverse challenges, requiring inner strength and resilience to emerge with thanksgiving intact.
Reb Noson also delves into the significance of the number ten in Judaism and the Torah, elucidating its profound symbolism. Beyond its association with the Ten Commandments, the Ten Utterances of Creation, the Ten Sephirot, and the ten levels of holiness in the Holy Land and the Temple, Reb Noson expounds on the ten types of melody.
King David utilized ten types of melody in composing the Book of Psalms. These melodies hold a healing power capable of uplifting every Jew, regardless of their circumstances, and instilling them with the light of joy to persevere and continue in life.
Therefore, the inclusion of ten loaves of each of the four types of bread in the Korban Todah serves to activate joy through these melodies. Reb Noson proceeds to elaborate on the four types of bread. The first, Challat Matza, derives its name from the concept of Challah, the portion of dough separated during bread-making, symbolized by the numerical value of its letters (43 – ×—=8 ל=30 ×”=5).
43 – “Gam” in Hebrew, meaning “also,” emphasizes its connection to Malkhut in Kabbalistic teachings. This phrase, “Gam Zot,” signifies inclusion and completeness.
The ultimate goal is to navigate and overcome the challenges represented by Chametz, reaching a pinnacle of joy and gratitude
Reb Noson further elaborates, drawing from Rebbe Nachman’s teachings in Lesson 24, to explain the sequential stages of joy activation represented by each type of bread in the Korban Todah.
The initial stage involves elevating Malkhut, the Divine Kingship, from the clutches of evil forces through joyous effort. This elevation is symbolized by the first ten loaves of Challat Matzah, indicating the triumph of joy in lifting Malkhut from exile.
The second stage is depicted by the Rekikin, thin flat loaves, which symbolize the flattening of spiritual adversaries through joy. By engaging in mitzvahs with joy, one’s “spiritual legs” metaphorically trample over obstacles.
Moving on to the third stage, Murbechet, boiled bread resembling bagels, signifies the inflamed mind fueled by bodily fluids akin to oil. After elevating the mind through joy and overcoming adversaries, one achieves a heightened receptivity to divine wisdom and intellect.
Finally, the fourth stage introduces Chametz, symbolizing the souring of the mind with negative thoughts and setbacks. Despite its danger, overcoming this stage demonstrates one’s resilience and willpower to endure through faith and joy. Chometz represents a higher level than Matzah, signifying the ability to withstand adversities and emerge with heightened joy.
Thus, each type of bread in the Thanksgiving offering encapsulates a distinct aspect of the journey towards joy and spiritual elevation.
Remarkably, the concept of Chametz aligns seamlessly with Parshat Parah. King Solomon famously remarked about the red heifer, stating its enigmatic nature, that it is impossible to understand. The red heifer possesses the unique ability to purify the impure while simultaneously rendering the pure impure. Understanding how it purifies the impure is comprehensible; it was sprinkled upon those contaminated by contact with a dead body, enabling them to enter the Holy Temple in Jerusalem after a specific purification process.
However, perplexingly, those involved in preparing the formula of the red heifer, the Kohanim, became impure in the process. This paradoxical aspect of the Parshat Parah—making pure impure—defies conventional logic. While many mitzvot in the Torah have reasons or rationales behind them, Parshat Parah stands as an exception, beyond human comprehension.
Indeed, while Torah often offers explanations for mitzvot, the red heifer serves as a reminder that even those with apparent rationales are ultimately beyond full human understanding. Delving into the depths of Torah reveals layers of complexity that challenge our comprehension, echoing the sentiment that the ultimate goal of knowledge is recognizing the vastness of what remains unknown.
This underscores the essence of Torah study. Engaging in rigorous learning not only expands knowledge but also deepens awareness of the limitless depths of Torah wisdom. Through rigorous study and contemplation, individuals come to realize the boundless expanse of Torah knowledge, humbly acknowledging the vastness of what lies beyond their grasp. Thus, far from discouraging learning, this realization fuels an insatiable thirst for knowledge, driving individuals to explore the depths of Torah wisdom despite its unfathomable complexity.
This is the significance of Parshat Parah. The ashes of the Red Heifer purified from the most severe impurities, illustrating that a combination of Torah study and faith—acknowledging what one knows and doesn’t know—can purify even in the direst circumstances. This level of Torah and Emunah – faith – can cleanse a person, no matter the gravity of their transgressions.
Parshat Parah, following Purim, aligns with the progression of spiritual elevation seen in the Korban Todah, moving from joy to overcoming adversity to intellectual attainment and ultimately to purity. Just as the Korban Todah expresses gratitude for deliverance from danger, Parshat Parah signifies reaching a level of purity through faith and Torah study.
The cow, or Parah, chosen for this mitzvah serves as a reminder for humans to emulate its simplicity and obedience. Just as the cow follows instructions without question, individuals facing aspects of Torah beyond their understanding should rely on simple faith. This blend of faith and Torah study serves as the key to purification.
As we observe Shabbat Parah, may we experience a renewed sense of purity and embark on a fresh beginning, guided by the principles of faith and Torah study.
If you have been inspired by this class/lecture please share it with friends, etc.
Thank you.
How the Holy Temple continues to be the channel of the Keter/Makom/Infinite Light in order to bring supernatural miracles and light into the finite limitations of nature etc.
