First Pasuk in the Parsha Series. This is a wonderful shiur on the classic question of why the Para Aduma (the Red Heifer) is considered “the” archetypal chok¹ in the Torah. Rabbi Paltiel quickly and clearly guides the listener through a powerful collection of sources ending with deep insights from Chassidus. Sources include: Rashi (a Taz, and a sicha from volume 8 of Likutei Sichos), Ramban, R. Bechaye, Abarbanel, Eitz Hada’as Tov, and a ma’amar from the Lubavitcher Rebbe (1985).
1. A mitzvah which is simply a decree with no apparent rational basis (neither a civil law nor a commemoration of a historical event).
