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Why do the nations challenge parah adumah rather than naaseh v'nishma, which seems like a stronger criticism? The nations argue that parah adumah contradicts our trust-based approach since here Hashem (ה׳) gives no beneficial reason. But 'because I said so' IS the ultimate reason - creating closeness to Hashem through service is the core benefit of every mitzvah (מצוה).
Rabbi Yeshaya Greenberg ZT"L begins with a fundamental question: when the nations of the world and Satan challenge the Jewish people about the mitzvah (מצוה) of parah adumah (red heifer), asking how we can perform a commandment without understanding its reason, why don't they instead ask about naaseh v'nishma? The latter seems like a much stronger criticism - agreeing to do commandments without even knowing what they are, rather than knowing what to do but not understanding the reason. The Rabbi explains that the Gemara (גמרא) in Shabbos (שבת) records that the Stuki (a heretical sect) did indeed criticize naaseh v'nishma, calling the Jewish people 'am hapazizim' (a hasty people) who put their mouths before their ears. However, the nations and Satan focus specifically on parah adumah, which requires explanation.
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Parshas Vayakhel
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