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Chukat 12 Tammuz-
Inseparable
NY City Candle lighting 8:13
Shabbat ends 9:21
Candle lighting times :
http://www.chabadgn.com/calendar/candlelighting.htm
Monday June 29th is the 12th
of Tammuz |
B"H
Shalom and Bracha!
This Shabbat
we read the portion of Chukat. This coming Monday and Tuesday,
the 29th and 30th of June, mark the anniversary of the release
of the Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yoseph Yitzchak
Schneerson, from soviet imprisonment and exile.
The portion begins by discussing the
Mitzvah of the red heifer, the ashes of which were used to
purify people who had come into contact with dead bodies. The
word Chukat means a statute. The commandments of the Torah are
divided into three groups: testimonies, statutes, and judgments.
Judgments (Mishpatim) are commandments which logic demands such
as not murdering, helping the poor, taking responsibility for
damages and respecting parents. Testimonies (Edot) are Mitzvot
that are reasonable but are not logically inherent, such as
eating Matzah to commemorate the Exodus, thereby strengthening
our appreciation and dedication to our heritage and keeping the
Shabbat to commemorate creation, thereby strengthening our faith
in Hashem. Statutes (Chukim) are Mitzvot that are followed
purely because they are the will of Hashem, such as not eating
meat and dairy together and the law of the red heifer.
These
three categories represent different levels in our bond with
Hashem. In the first, we only bond with Hashem when it fits in
with our understanding. We give nothing of ourselves away. In
the second, we give ourselves over as long as we are
comfortable. We don’t go beyond our comprehension. In the
Chukim, we give ourselves over entirely. This is also alluded to
in the word Chukah. Chakikah in Hebrew means engraving. The
difference between writing and engraving is that when we write,
the ink and paper remain two entities. When we engrave, the
letters become part of the stone. The Chukim represent our bond
with Hashem that is like engraving: we are one with Him and He
is one with us.
All commandments can be fulfilled in
the manner of Chukim. Although the general Mitzvah is
understood, we follow the details because it is the will of
Hashem. This is alluded to in the blessing for Mitzvot: first
“Blessed are you Hashem our G-d who has made us holy with His
commandments” (irrespective to the specific commandment) and
thereafter “Who has commanded us to…” the individual act imbued
with its significance.
The red heifer is the epitome of the
Chukim. It is the only way to purify someone who has been in
contact with death. This because by giving of ourselves entirely
to Hashem, our bond with Hashem is mutual and His sanctity
imbues us and elevates us from any impurity.
The Previous
Rebbe was arrested for disseminating Judaism in Russia long
after the communist revolution. The millions of Jews who
maintained some Jewish identity throughout communist oppression
are a result of his efforts. His resolve to continue his
activities and the readiness of his followers to go in his path
stem from the Torah being in a manner of Chakikah, total
devotion. Although the opposition seemed insurmountable, their
oneness with the Torah led them to continue regardless of the
consequences. This brought forth the Divine miracle of his
redemption. The Rebbe stressed that this was not only personal
redemption, but for all those who hold the Torah dear and all
who are Jews. considering the tremendous risks he took to
maintain and spread Judaism under overwhelming opposition, it is
a time to rededicate ourselves both in our own Judaism and in
fortifying and sharing torah and Judaism. It is also an
auspicious time to pray for salvation from personal
difficulties.
The Rambam notes that nine red heifers
have been brought in our history and the tenth will be brought
by Moshiach. May he speedily arrive and bring purification to
the entire world!
Shabbat
Shalom,
Rabbi Biggs
Dedicated in
Zechut of David Ben Sarah
A Project of
Chabad of Great Neck
400 East Shore Rd. Great Neck NY 11024
516 4874554 fax 516 4874807
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