PARAH ADUMAH

    At the beginning of this week's Parsha, Chukas, we read about the Chok, of Parah Adumah, the Red Heifer. When speaking of Chukim we need to focus on the words of the Or HaChaim, reflecting on the sentence, "This is the Torah's statue, which Hashem commanded". He states that Hashem  commanded to tell the Jewish People that this Mitzvah has no rationale and, therefore, there is no logical explanation. It is a decree from G-d and it is for us to obey without question.

     The most difficult part to understand when it comes to the Parah Adumah, is the process that the Kohen performs to purify the one who is Tamei, and, consequently, he himself, becomes Tamei.

     How  can that be? How can we explain that the very same ritual that purifies the one, defiles the other?

    This dilemma has troubled so many and numerous answers have been given.

     For me, the best answer was suggested by the Rav, Rabbi Soloveitchik זצ׳ל .

     The Rav said, " The Kohen has to be willing to carry out this purification ceremony, knowing that in the process, he himself will become Tamei. He knows that, if he does become Tamei he will be changing places with the person who brings the sacrifice of the Parah Adumah.  The Tamei will re-enter the community and the Kohen will have to leave the community. It is understandable, therefore, the Kohen would be reluctant to participate in this ritual." The Rav seems to suggest that this kind of conflict was going on in the mind of the Kohen who was asked to perform the sacrifice. With all these questions in his mind the kohen still answers the call. 

  He is saying to himself and the community "I love this man just as I love every member of this community and therefore in order to purify him I am willing to contaminate myself in the process. 

   What we are experiencing with the Parah Adumah is a masterful act of Gemilat Chasadim, a true act of selflessness and feelings of love for a fellow man.

  The lesson is clear - whether it is a leader or an individual, when it is necessary to get into the mud to help another we must be willing to do so even if it means getting ourselves 'dirty'.

    In general, we need to begin to love each other and to have patience with each other, to accept each other and to be less critical of each other. 

    Our hallmark must be selflessness and not selfishness. In doing so, our world will be a lot better than it is at the present time. 

     May we be זוכה to bring the Parah Adumah to the בית המקדש in our time.