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Why does the Torah (תורה) use both 'melach' and 'olam' to describe the eternal covenant with kohanim? Salt creates barren land where nothing else grows, symbolizing how true bris means cutting off other relationships to create exclusivity with Hashem (ה׳). The kehunah represents a unique bond of simcha - divine joy in giving - that parallels how yissurim also purify by eliminating competing influences and connecting us to our essential selves.
This shiur delves into the concept of 'bris melach olam' mentioned in Parshas Korach regarding the kehunah, analyzing why the Torah (תורה) uses both 'melach' (salt) and 'olam' (eternal) when describing this covenant. The Rav examines Rashi (רש"י)'s explanation that salt preserves and maintains other things, drawing a parallel to how this covenant preserves the relationship between Hashem (ה׳) and the kohanim. The core insight centers on understanding why the word 'melach' is necessary when 'bris olam' already implies permanence. Through analysis of Ibn Ezra's commentary, the Rav explains that salt creates a barren land where nothing else can grow - it cuts off all other possibilities. This leads to the fundamental understanding that 'bris' means 'cutting' - specifically cutting off other relationships to create exclusivity.
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Parshas Korach - Bamidbar 18:19
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