בס”דI
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 about Parshat Chukat
“This is the statute of the law which the L-RD hath commanded…”
(Numbers 19:2)
Parshas Chukat opens with one of the Torah’s most mysterious commandments: the Red Heifer—a ritual used to purify those who came in contact with death. Just a few verses later, we learn of the death of Miriam the Prophetess, sister of Moses and Aaron, and a spiritual mother to the nation.
Although these two topics are separated by nearly four decades in historical time, the Torah places them side by side. Why? Our sages explain that just as the offering of the Red Heifer brings atonement, so too does the death of a righteous person. But what does this mean—and how do we understand this in a way that doesn’t echo ideas we may associate with Christianity?
The Tzaddik’s Role in the World
A tzaddik—a truly righteous person—isn’t just spiritually elevated. They carry the needs of the world in their heart. They pray not only for themselves but for others. They live not for comfort, but for purpose. And their presence gives spiritual merit to the entire world.
That’s why, when a tzaddik dies, it is said to bring atonement—not because their death is a substitute or a sacrifice for others, but because the world loses one of its moral and spiritual anchors. This is not a call to passivity or belief in redemptive death. Judaism rejects that. It’s a call to responsibility: to live the kind of life that matters not just to yourself, but to others and to G-d.
What Makes Someone Righteous?
We often think of tzaddikim as saints or prophets—people beyond our reach. But the great Rabbi Nachman of Breslov taught that anyone can become a tzaddik. It doesn’t depend on being born with a special soul. It depends on effort, sincerity, and devotion.
This means that your life matters more than you think. The Mishnah says, “Each person must be able to say, ‘the world was created for me.’” Not out of arrogance, but out of responsibility. If the world was created for you, then what are you doing with it? Are you using your time, your talents, your attention to elevate others and bring light into dark places?
Avoiding Misunderstanding: This is Not a Christian Concept
Some may hear the idea that “the death of the righteous brings atonement” and think it sounds Christian. It’s important to draw a firm line here. Judaism never teaches that someone else’s suffering or death can erase your sins. Atonement comes through repentance, repair, and return to G-d. The loss of a tzaddik is tragic because the world needs righteous people—not because their death replaces your moral responsibility.
Christianity distorted this Jewish idea into a theology of vicarious atonement. Judaism insists: you are accountable for your life, and no one—not even the most righteous—can live it or fix it for you.
What Does This Mean for Us Today?
To live as a righteous person is to live with others in mind. You don’t have to be famous, scholarly, or mystical. You just have to care. A tzaddik might be someone who gives charity quietly, forgives quickly, listens deeply, and prays sincerely for the good of the world.
Each of us can live that way. And each of us should try.
Now, reflect on the following questions:
- Do I see my life as spiritually significant—or do I underestimate my impact?
- What’s one small act of goodness I can do today that benefits someone else?
- Do I avoid responsibility by thinking holiness is for others and not for me?
- When I lose someone I admire, do I respond by stepping up—or shutting down?
- Can I honor the righteous in my life—not by idolizing them, but by emulating them?
May we learn to live with purpose, to pursue righteousness in action, and to remember that our lives truly matter in the unfolding story of 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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