A WORD from the Director
INSIGHTS
This Shabbat is known as “Parshat Parah” (the "red heifer") because of the additional Torah portion which is read in the synagogue. In the days of the Holy Temple, if a person became spiritually unclean through contact with a dead body, the ashes of the red heifer rendered him clean. As a person had to be in a state of ritual cleanliness in order to bring the Passover offering, these laws were read publicly in the weeks leading up to the holiday.
Although we cannot bring offerings in the literal sense at present, the spiritual lessons they contain are timeless.
Our Sages likened Torah to the body, and it's mitzvot to its parts. Just as the body is composed of 248 limbs and 365 sinews, so too, the Torah is composed of 248 positive and 365 negative commandments.
In addition, the Torah is likened to the soul. Just as the soul animates the physical body and transforms it into a living being, so too does the Torah enliven the practical mitzvot and illuminate them with its light. When a Jew studies Torah and understands the deeper significance of the commandments, his mitzvot are performed with joy and with a heartfelt enthusiasm.
This principle sheds light on the Talmudic statement, "He who studies the laws of the burnt-offering is considered as if he has brought one." During the exile, when we cannot offer sacrifices in the literal sense, our study of these laws stand in its stead. The mitzvah of bringing the sacrifice, however, just like the human body, is limited by the boundaries of time and space; the actual mitzva can only be fulfilled in the proper time and at the proper location (indeed, it is forbidden to offer sacrifices outside the Temple).
But our holy Torah, just like the soul, is not limited by the restraints of time and place. Our study of the laws of these offerings are therefore relevant and appropriate in all times and places.
Reading about the red heifer right before Passover reminds us that along with all the 'spring cleaning' we should not forget about spiritually cleansing ourselves as well through Torah study pertaining to and in preparation of Passover.
