Parshas Chukas-Balak 5766

Commentary by Rabbi Ephraim Nisenbaum

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The Parah Adumah (Red Heifer) was used in the purification process of the person who had come in contact with a human corpse. When a person would become spiritually defiled in this way, he was not allowed to 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 cedar wood, a grass, crimson thread, and spring water. This mixture was sprinkled on the impure person on the third and seventh day of the purification. He would then immerse in the mikveh, and be purified.

There was something else quite unique about the Red Heifer. Although it was used to purify those who were impure, the kohanim, or priests, 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 make no sense. 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.

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. Only after the people complained and Moshe hit the rock did the water return. Likewise, the Cloud of Glory that protected the Jews throughout the forty years came in the merit of Aharon. After he passed away, this too disappeared, and the nation was attacked by other nations.

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 ways.

In a similar vein, we may not always appreciate the danger of the wicked. Balaam, a wicked prophet, tried to do what he could to curse the Jewish people and thus destroy them. It was only the intervention of G-d that protected the Jews from his curse. We must be aware of the hidden dangers that surround us, and strengthen our faith in G-d’s protection.

“I have sinned for I did not know that you were standing opposite me...” (Num. 22:34)

Rav Moshe Lieber explains that Balaam’s sin was that he did not remember that G-d watches everything that a person does. Balaam. However, had no regrets about sinning. His regret was that he had been caught.

A Rebbe once caught three students smoking on Shabbos. When confronted, the first student sheepishly said, “I forgot it was Shabbos today.”

The second student claimed. “I forgot we cannot smoke on Shabbos.”

The third student said, “I also forgot. I forgot to close the door!”

Did You Know...

The three weeks between the Seventeenth of Tamuz and Tisha B’Av are considered a period of mourning for the loss of the Temples. As we get closer to Tisha B’Av, the actual anniversary of the destruction, the mourning increases.

It is prohibited to conduct weddings throughout this period, nor may one listen to music. One may not purchase expensive clothing such as a fancy suit or dress during this time, nor may they be worn for the first time. Ordinary clothing, however, may be purchased or newly worn until the last nine days of the period.

One may not take a haircut or shave during the three weeks unless his employment requires it.