The Parah Adumah (Red Heifer) was used in the purification process of a person who was defiled by coming in contact with a human corpse. This person could not partake of any sacrifice or even enter the Temple area, until he was purified.
The Red Heifer had very specific requirements. It had to be totally red-haired. Even two black hairs would disqualify it from being used. It could not have any blemishes on it, nor could it ever have carried anything on its back.The cow was slaughtered and its flesh burnt. The ashes were then mixed with cedarwood, a low-growing plant, crimson thread, and spring water. This mixture was sprinkled on the impure person on the third and seventh day of the purification process. He would then immerse in the mikveh, and become purified.
There was something else quite unique about the Red Heifer. Although it was used to purify those who were impure, the kohanim who were involved in its preparation, themselves became defiled. The Torah refers to Parah Adumah as the classic example of a chok, a law that seems to be illogical. How could something that purifies one person, contaminate another? Yet, the Jew must be willing to accept all of G-d’s commandments, whether he understands their rationale or not. Ultimately, it is the acceptance of the irrational mitzvahs that shows a person’s true commitment to G-d.
In the fortieth year of the Jews’ trek through the desert, Miriam and Aharon died. The Jews had drunk from a miraculous well in the desert throughout the forty years. This well had come in the merit of Miriam, and when she died the well dried up. The people complained and G-d instructed Moshe to speak to the rock. Moshe hit the rock and the water returned. Although the people were deserving of all their needs being met in the wilderness, Moshe showed a bit of impatience at their constant complaints. As punishment he was forbidden to enter the Promised Land. The Jewish leader must be able to master total control over his nature under all circumstances.
Shortly afterwards, Aharon died. The Cloud of Glory that protected the Jews throughout the past forty years, had come in Aharon’s merit, and disappeared with his death.People often do not appreciate the value of the righteous. They may be accused of being preoccupied with their own deeds, and not contributing much to society. This is a big mistake, and is sometimes only realized after the righteous have passed on and their loss is truly felt in many, previously unknown, ways.
“We will follow the road of the king, we will not veer to the right or to the left…” (Num.20: 17)A young boy asked Rav Yosef Chaim Zonnenfeld why in the prayer Ein Kelokeinu does it first say, “There is none like Our G-d,” and only afterwards “Who is like Our G-d?” It would seem that the question should be asked before the answer is given.
The Rav answered, “Have you ever hiked in a dark cave? It is important to mark your path with little markers to make sure you don’t get lost. The same applies here. It is permitted for a Jew to ask all kinds of questions about G-d. However, it is necessary to first mark the path with 'markers' to guarantee the questions don’t get you confused and lost. We must first state, 'There is none like Our G-d,' before we can ask, 'Who is like Our G-d?'”
The young boy later moved to Europe where he went through the Holocaust. He later recounted how the Rav’s words helped him maintain his faith through such a difficult time.
Did You Know...
Water has no real taste and thus poses a question regarding the requirement to recite a blessing prior to drinking it. If one drinks water to quench his thirst, it provides a pleasure and a blessing must first be recited. If, however, the water is drunk merely to swallow medicine or to ease coughing or choking, no blessing is required. If other beverages are drunk for the same reason a blessing is always required, since there is the additional pleasure of the taste.Incidentally, although a person should have the food before him when reciting a blessing, it is permitted to recite a blessing at a water fountain since the water will be available upon pushing the button.
