July 1, 2023; 12 Tamuz, 5783
Parsha The first Possuk in Parshas Chukas (BaMidbar19:2) introduces the Mitzvah of Parah Adumah (red heifer) whose ashes are used to purify one who has become impure. This Mitzvah is puzzling because even though the Parah Adumah’s ashes make the one that is impure, pure; it makes the one who is preparing the ashes to be used, impure. The Torah tells us that this Mitzvah is a “Chok” which is a commandment of the Torah that we must observe whether we understand it or not.
The Torah introduces the Mitzvah of the Parah Adumah with the words, “Zos Chukas HaTorah” – this is the Chok of the Torah. There is a debate between the Ohr HaChaim HaKadosh and the Akeidas Yitzchok as to what these words are referring to....