VOLUME 114 NUMBER 4
Shevat 9, 5785
February 7, 2025
Parshas Beshalach
Candlelighting Time 5:09
During the traveling in the desert, they were bereft of water and complained to Moshe that they were very thirsty. The only available water was bitter and unfit to drink. Moshe took a stick as commanded by Hashem which was caustic and tossed it into the water. The acerbic piece of wood actually sweetened the water allowing the people to quench their thirst. A miraculous remedy for the problem. At this site, referred to as “Marah” the bitter place, Hashem commanded them in some of the mitzvos. One of the them mentioned by Rashi is that of the “Red Heifer” which is incinerated and its ashes thrown upon people who have become defiled by coming in touch with the dead. The commentators question Rashi’s source for this particular halacha being introduced at this time. The other mitzvos mentioned such as Shabbos and setting up a court system are mentioned in the Midrash. However, the mitzvah of the Red Heifer is not!
However, Ba’al HaTurim explains the source of Rashi. At Marah, where a bitter piece of wood sweetened water that was not drinkable, so too, the ashes of the Red Heifer purify the defiled person due to his contact with a dead body. Although the Red Heifer defiles those involved in its preparatory process nonetheless it accomplishes just the opposite with those needing purification. That comparative equivalence supports Rashi’s explanation. Therefore, at this point Rashi was able add to the list of mitzvos that were given that of the Red Heifer as well.
Maharal Diskin adds a very important point. At this juncture, they were unable to actually perform the mitzvah of purifying those who were defiled because Ahron and his sons were not yet appointed and inducted into the Priesthood and therefore there wasn’t anyone available to conduct the mitzvah. Subsequently, this mitzvah was only given to strengthen the concept of study of Torah. They needed to be clearly aware of all details that are required to perform the mitzvah appropriately therefore they had to immerse themselves in studying the Torah. This feature actually presented the nation with their first encounter of study of Torah although the practicality was not achieved.
Kli Yakar adds a very inspiring aspect. The language employed in the Torah when Hashem commanded Moshe to take the bitter piece of wood is that He instructed him. The wording could have been that he showed him. The significance is that Torah is compared to a live tree as we say that Torah provides life and vitality to those who invest their priorities in Torah. The piece of wood was an analogy to that effect. And perhaps we can even blend this comment into that of the Maharal Diskin. The magnitude of Torah is truly realized when its implementation is actualized. The application of Torah is not necessarily its practicality but rather when we are immersed in its incredible complexity realizing the profundity and astuteness of Hashem’s word.
Perhaps we can fully appreciate the introduction of the mitzvah of the Red Heifer at this time preceding the giving of the Torah because it truly equipped and groomed the nation for receiving the Torah with extreme recognition of its value and eminence.
A BYTE FOR SHABBOS
Soon after they left Marah where the water was putrid, they came to Ailem, an oasis in the middle of the desert. Would they have known that a short distance later they would encounter a beautiful oasis they would not have complained. We are often short sighted not aware that the solution to our problems are right around the corner. We must just trust in Hashem. CHOFETZ CHAIM
GOOD SHABBOS
