RAV DOVID FEINSTEIN, ZT”L, ON THE PARSHA
(As heard and adapted by Rabbi Aaron D. Mehlman)
“This is the decree of the Torah.”
From the language of the posuk, it seems there is only one Chok, decree/statute without an obvious reason, in the entire Torah.
“This is the decree” suggests the mitzvah of the Red Heifer contained in the Parsha is the Chok, to the exclusion of any other.
But obviously, don’t we find other Chukim in the Torah as well?
The explanation is as follows:
The posuk teaches us a great truth: “This is the decree - of the Torah,” ie., the entire Torah is one massive statute. A statute implies mystery, conflict, and a potential lack of direction.
At its core, the Torah is like a “testing ground” with diametrically opposing forces that can be both beneficial and detrimental to a person, a veritable sam hachaim and sam hamaves, an elixir of life and death.
Within the Torah student, there is generated an internal spiritual conflict which manifests itself in myriad ways - even if the student reaches dizzying heights of Torah knowledge.
Torah can be harnessed to bring great good or great evil into the world. With vast knowledge comes vast responsibility, and a person may struggle to make the right choices.
For example, if one possesses Torah wisdom, there is the temptation to be morah heter, rationalize bad behavior, and also become a m’nuval b’rshus HaTorah, an abhorrent person within the sanction of the Law.
Contrarily, Torah contains an intrinsic sam hachaim, life-enhancing positive energy, and brims with n’imus and tov, sweetness, and goodness. These dueling forces create tension and struggle within man.
This dichotomy can create cognitive dissonance within a Torah student - therefore, the rallying cry: “This is the decree of the Torah!” We should use mindfulness to become aware of the challenge.
Let us reflect on the dual powers within Torah and be ever vigilant for signs of moral failure and unethical behavior.
