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Why does the Torah (תורה) call Parah Adumah "zos chukas haTorah" - the chok of the entire Torah? The shiur distinguishes between two types of criticism: nations questioning our practices versus Satan's attempt to make us feel foolish. Through this lens, chukim aren't laws without reasons, but divine decrees that build trust by demonstrating Hashem (ה׳)'s care without needing to reveal His motivations.
The shiur opens with the opening verses of Parshas Chukas regarding the Parah Adumah (red heifer), focusing on Rashi (רש"י)'s commentary that explains how Satan and the nations criticize Israel for this mitzvah (מצוה). Rabbi Zweig begins by comparing this Rashi to a similar one in Parshas Toldos, noting subtle but significant differences in language. In Toldos, Rashi mentions the "Yetzer Hara and nations" asking questions (meishivim), while here he mentions "Satan and nations" putting down the Jews (monin). The shiur explores why Rashi changes his terminology and what this reveals about different types of criticism. The distinction emerges between legitimate questioning and destructive criticism. In Parshas Toldos, the nations respected Avrohom as a community leader and asked genuine questions about practices they didn't understand - similar to asking why Jews don't eat pork when they do eat other meat. This represents the healthy function of the Yetzer Hara, which provides choices and growth opportunities. Avrohom's greatness lay in listening to Hashem (ה׳) even regarding mishpatim (logical laws) because he recognized them as divine commands, not just human reasoning.
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Parshas Chukas 19:1-2
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