Rabbi Wein - Parshas Chukas, 5766 - Torah.org: "From the most famous chok – a rule without rational explanation to it – that of the red heifer, the parah adumah, which serves as the beginning of the parsha, to the shortcomings of Moshe in smiting the rock to bring forth water and his punishment of not being able to enter the Land of Israel, one is troubled by the mystery of it all. Why? If the Torah is meant to be studied and intellectually analyzed by the Jewish people, if it is somehow within the reach of humans to understand the Torah’s laws and values, then why this onslaught of laws and events that defy any human logic?
It is obvious that the Torah is teaching us a very basic lesson. Not everything in life is logical, understandable, rational or given to any sort of human understanding. The Torah intends to teach us that its system of values and behavior is oftentimes beyond human comprehension. The ability to accept this difficult and oftentimes humbling assessment is a test of faith and belief. And the Torah and Judaism generally rest upon this basic foundation, if necessary even a form of blind faith and belief. Understanding and studying Torah is a mitzvah – an obligation upon all Jews. However, following and believing Torah even when we do not understand and know its rationale is no less of a mitzvah."
The above is an excerpt from Torah.org and is linked as in all excerpts on my blogs by their title line. My introduction to Parsha Chukas can be found by following the link below:
http://thewriterscafe.org
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