VOLUME 120 NUMBER 5
Iyar 14, 5786
May 1, 2026
Parshas Emor
Candlelighting Time 7:36
OUR KING, OUR FATHER
If we were to discuss one who is judged by his king, of course that person would tremble and shake perhaps anticipating the worst. However, there would also be the distinct possibility that the king might clear him of his charges. And the individual would approach the king and present his case and plead for his acquittal. Whether or not he would successfully escape from punishment would be unknown but at least there would be the possibility of such an outcome. In this week’s parsha we encounter the blasphemer. He directly curses Hashem and his sentence is clear and seemingly very harsh with no flexibility. The most severe death penalty is levied against him and he must die when pushed off the scaffold of a two story platform. The Chofetz Chaim poses the obvious question. We look to Hashem as the source and origin of kindness in this world and yet unequivocally this person who has indeed perpetrated a horrendous crime is not shown any mercy at all. Is this the Hashem of compassion and sympathy that we look forward to?
The saintly Chofetz Chaim explains with a principle that we must accept realizing its essential truth and authenticity. We live within the environs that any degree of punishment is objectionable. After all, if one erred isn’t plausible that since we are human we are prone to falter. Indeed, man was created with deficiencies and stumbling is actually part and parcel of our character. Of course, cursing Hashem is a terrible and awful offense, but can’t we allow the transgressor to repent and enjoy a productive and industrious life? However, the point of this parsha is to enlighten us that certain sins that we do have such a tremendous negative impact upon our souls that our recourse is severely limited. We can’t fathom the extent of corruption that we engross upon ourselves within our spiritual dimension when we rebel against Hashem in an exceedingly decadent fashion. When that occurs the only remedy is to purify the soul with death, the ultimate decontamination that can cleanse the soul of its depraved state due to the horrendous crime that was performed. Perhaps we can’t perceive the extent of the damage that has desolated our soul when we sin at such a horrifying base, but the Torah educates us and informs us that such a depraved level has been reached the person can’t become cleansed and close to Hashem unless this process is performed. And obviously, when the punishment is exacted the offender must express deep regret for his hideous action which will then process that his death will serve as an atonement and consequently ‘sanitize’ the person who has so incredibly desecrated his soul.
Although we may view this as harshness and callousness the Chofetz Chaim in a lengthy dissertation asserts that this is the most kind and caring thoughtfulness and consideration that Hashem could possibly do for us. We perceive our lives within a tainted picture and therefore often misinterpret the intent of the Torah and its laws but in a more erudite and polished discernment based upon an enhanced and more profound appreciation of Hashem’s Will then everything is not only better understood but more readily accepted.
A BYTE FOR SHABBOS
When a miraculous event transpires in our nation is we don’t realize its significance and enhance our service to Hashem that is tantamount to a desecration of Hashem’s Name. CHASAM SOFER
GOOD SHABBOS
