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Why do nations mock both na'aseh v'nishma and Parah Adumah as examples of blind Jewish obedience? The shiur distinguishes between trust-based acceptance of unknown mitzvos versus servitude-based performance of incomprehensible decrees. Both challenges are answered by the same yesod: the primary benefit isn't understanding each mitzvah (מצוה) but the merit of being Hashem (ה׳)'s servants.
This shiur explores a fundamental question about Jewish commitment through analyzing two different criticisms: the stuki's challenge to Rava about na'aseh v'nishma and the nations' challenge about Parah Adumah. The shiur begins with Rashi (רש"י)'s commentary on Parshas Parah, where the Satan and nations question the mitzvah (מצוה) of Parah Adumah, calling it a chok without reason. The discussion centers on a Gemara (גמרא) in Shabbos (שבת) (Peh Ches) where a stuki observes Rava learning so intensely that he sits on his fingers until they bleed. The stuki criticizes this as representative of the Jewish character - 'ama paziza' (a hasty nation) - connecting it to na'aseh v'nishma, where Jews accepted the Torah (תורה) before hearing its contents. The stuki argues this demonstrates rushing into commitments without proper consideration.
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Parshas Parah, Rashi on Chukas
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