בס”ד
Integrating Torah into one’s life through reflection and conversation can be an incredibly fun and engaging experience. It’s a journey of discovery, where ancient wisdom and timeless teachings come to life in our daily experiences. Through reflection, we have the opportunity to dive deep into the rich tapestry of Torah, extracting profound insights and lessons that resonate with our modern lives. The joy lies in the ‘aha’ moments, those instances when a Torah verse or story suddenly connects with our personal challenges, aspirations, and values. And when we engage in conversations about Torah with others, it becomes an interactive exploration, where diverse perspectives and interpretations enhance our understanding. These dialogues often spark excitement and intellectual curiosity, making the learning process both enjoyable and fulfilling. Torah becomes a vibrant and dynamic part of our lives, offering not just guidance but also a source of endless fascination, connection, and growth.
NOTE: Don’t feel obligated to go through every source or answer all the questions—unless you want to. Even one source, or one question will give you plenty of material for discussion and meditation. Enjoy this!
Some thoughts from the parsah
Some thoughts from the parsha
Summary
In this Torah portion, the juxtaposition of the Red Heifer and the death of Miriam teaches us that the death of a tzaddik (righteous person) atones for the world, much like a sacrificial offering atones for an individual. But we have to be very careful. This idea has been completely distorted in Christianity. To be sure, the death of a tzaddik does not absolve anyone of their personal responsibility to act as they should, nor is there any human being who can completely remove all sin from the world. Finally, although the death of tzaddikim may atone, this does not mean that no one can achieve forgiveness for their own sins by asking directly from Hashem—every person can do this.
What does it mean, then?
The Maharal of Prague explains that sin is tied to our physical existence. When a tzaddik dies, their physical sins vanish, and their righteous presence, essential for sustaining the world, creates a broader atonement. The Talmud emphasizes that the world actually exists for the tzaddik. The rest of us benefit from their light.
But becoming a tzaddik isn’t out of reach; Rebbe Nachman of Breslov asserts that anyone can achieve this through sincere effort. This potential is universal, applicable to both men and women, as everyone can strive to embody the tzaddik’s qualities.
Being a tzaddik is not just about personal elevation; it involves a commitment to improving the world and supporting others through prayer and action. As Viktor Frankl suggests, aiming high can lead us to accomplishments beyond our initial expectations, and this ultimately benefits the world.
Now, reflect upon the following questions
1. What qualities do you believe define a tzaddik, and how can we cultivate them in our lives?
2. In what ways do you think individual actions can contribute to the greater good of the world?
3. How can the concept of atonement through the death of a tzaddik influence your understanding of community responsibility?
4. What steps can you take to elevate your personal goals and aspirations beyond your current self-concept?
5. How can we support one another in our journeys toward self-improvement and making a positive impact on the world?
Shabbat Shalom!
By Rabbi Tani Burton
If you want more questions for contemplation, SEE THE OTHER BLOGS FROM RABBI TANI BURTON ABOUT DE PARSHAT QUESTIONS
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