Ki Sisa – Parshas Parah

This Shabbos we lein Parshas Parah which starts off with the words, “זאת חקת התורה, this is the chok of the Torah,” referring to the Parah Aduma. A chok is a mitzvah which we do not understand the reason whereas a mishpat is a mitzva which we do know the reason. Parah Aduma and shatnez are examples of a chok. An example of a mishpat is the mitzvah to not murder. This is something rational from which people would refrain even without the Torah’s instruction.

The Torah describes the parsha of Parah Aduma as “chukas haTorah.” The red heifer was used during the process of purification for one who came in contact with a corpse and became contaminated. The cow’s ashes were sprinkled on the person on the third and seventh day which helped to make him tahor. The question arises: why does the Torah describe this parsha as “chukas haTorah”? Wouldn’t “chukas hataharah” or “chukas hatumah” be a better description?

The Ohr HaChaim HaKadosh writes the Torah is teaching us that one who keeps this mitzvah, which is without reason, is considered as though he fulfilled the whole Torah! This is because a person who does a mitzvah without reason testifies on his belief in Hashem, and shows his acceptance in fulfilling the ratzon Hashem.

Rav Chaim Shmuelevitz explains further: if a person does a mitzvah which has a reason behind it, it is not yet clear that he has accepted the mitzvos of Hashem and is now ready to perform them. It is possible to say that he is only doing the mitzvos because they are sensible to him, but he has not yet accepted to fulfill those which he does not understand. However, when one performs a chok which is without reason and understanding, it is clear that he is doing so because Hashem commanded. This proves that he has accepted the authority of Hashem over himself and is ready to follow His will. Therefore, by fulfilling the mitzva of Parah Aduma it is considered as if he is fulfilled the whole Torah!

May we accept Hashem’s rulership over ourselves and head to all His mitzvos!