Para Aduma
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Moshe's Leadership and the Transition of Generations
Rabbi Mosheh LichtensteinOne of the central dilemmas in Avodat Hashem is the constant tension between abstraction and illustration. This lesson discusses the implications of this tension in the second half of the book of Bemidbar, in light of the Red Heifer.
The Yom Kippur Service
Rabbi Yair Kahn | 12 minutesThe tragedy of Nadav and Avihu highlights the tension between the concepts of the “thirsting for the living God” and “No man shall see me and live”. Our parasha continues from where Shemini left off and prevents the tragedy from recurring by emphasizing the importance of the ketoret (the incense cloud) as necessary in the Kohen Gadol's entrance to the Holy of Holies, as the steps of the Yom Kippur Service are presented.
The Egla Arufa Ritual
Prof. Jonathan Grossmanתאריך פרסום: August 2013 | | 17 minutes
Our parasha discusses the egla arufa- the calf that is killed in a ritual outside town, after someone has been murdered by an unknown perpetrator. This shiur compares this scenario with other rituals—the scapegoat of Yom Kippur and the para aduma (red heifer), which also occur outside the holy precincts. What is the inherent purpose and symbolism behind these seemingly strange and exceptional rites?
The Next Generation
Rabbi Alex Israel | 31 minutesThis parasha has some very interesting components, beginning with the Para Aduma and continuing with narratives of wars and complaints; sins and punishments; symbols and miracles; high points and low points. This parsha highlights the stark contrast between the generation coming out of Egypt and the generation about to enter the land—the generation that is growing out of their current leaders.
The Keys to Revealing Kohelet's Hidden Meaning
Rabbi Yitzchak Twerskyתאריך פרסום: תש"ע | |
What is the book of Kohelet about? What does it teach us? This shiur explores these questions in order to understand Kohelet on a deeper level. By examining various stories in Tanach, such as Adam and Chava, Cain and Hevel, and Para Aduma we can gain a clear understanding of the essence of Kohelet - the ability to choose between good and evil, which is critical to understanding life in general.
Tum'a - Metaphysical Pollution or Halachic Construct
Rabbi Daniel Wolfתאריך פרסום: תשע"ד | |
Is the state of “Tum’a” merely a post-Sinaitic halakhic construct, or is it something else, something that existed earlier? We focus on the passage of Yaakov’s instructions to purify the camp after his sons’ revenge on Shechem (in the book of Bereisheet), as well as the “three days” before the Giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai and the commandment about the Parah Aduma (Red Heifer), to better understand the concepts of Tum’a and Tahara. Statements of Haza”l, various midrashic literature, commentary, Targum, the Kuzari, and other Jewish sources aid us in our analysis of the Biblical passages and in our quest to define and understand Tum’a and Tahara.
The Truest Thing I Know
Avidan FreedmanWhy is Para Aduma Called "Chuka"?
Rabbi Ezra Bick | 36 minutesWe examine the commentary of Ramban on the beginning of Parashat Hukkat about the strange and perplexing aspects of the “Para Aduma” ritual. We explore ideas in the words of Ramban about the nature of tum’a, the relationship between the Written and Oral Torah, and explanations for the apparent anomalous sacrificing outside the Mikdash, fraught with the dangers of crossing the fine line between Avodat Hashem and Avoda Zara in this setting. Ramban argues that tum’a is life being overcome by sin, and through the Para Aduma ritual, one drives out sin by reconnecting with God, the Source of purity.
Infographic for Parshat Hukkat
Dust and Ashes: Avraham, the Red Heifer, and the Sota
Rabbi David SilverbergHow Does the Scapegoat Atone - A Message of Mercy and Hope
Rabbi Dr. Yoel Bin NunSeemingly, there should be no such day as Yom Kippur. How can there possibly be any rectification of sins committed intentionally? Repentance certainly has its place, for it comes to repair the deformed personality; but how can a sacrifice bring forgiveness and atonement for anything other than an unintentional sin? Through an examination of the texts relating to the scapegoat on Yom Kippur and the book of Yonah, we understand that Yom Kippur teaches us that without mercy, the world cannot exist at all. Despite all logic, justice, truth and judgment, Yom Kippur brings us a message of hope, atonement, and great possibility.