From The Rabbi’s Study…Shabbat, March 29.2024/19 Adar II 5784
Shabbat Parah: The Maftir/ concluding Aliyah reading and the Haftarah comes from
(Numbers 19:1-22; Ezekiel 36:16-38)
The Torah portion continues with the descriptions of the sacrificial offerings. The ordination of Aaron and his sons as priests and the dedication of the first sanctuary.
One of the concepts in the Shabbat Torah readings is about the holiness of blood.
Jewish law forbids the eating of blood, which is stated in Leviticus 7:26: “You must not consume any blood either of bird or animal.” There are many reasons for this prohibition. First is related to the pagan cult rituals that use blood. Their beliefs and ceremonies believed that one who eats or drinks animal blood would improve and strengthen people from sickness. The medieval commentator, Nachmanides made the point that blood is sacred because it contains the soul given by G-d and therefore should not be eaten. While others saw that the refusal to eat blood is a way to show reverence for life, since blood was a sign of cruelty toward human beings.
The additional readings of the Maftir and Haftarah have regulations for bodily purification. It relates to the red heifer, whose ashes helped remove defiling oneself from contact with the dead. The theme of purification and the red heifer is a connection with the Torah reading and the festival of Passover, both having preparation and purity themes. While the Haftarah comes from the Book of Ezekiel, it also has reference to purification. The prophet Ezekiel told the Israelites that G-d justly sent them into captivity, to vindicate His Honor. G-d will restore the Israelites, not that they deserved it, but to vindicate His own honor. The restoration comes with a moral renewal.
One portion is that G-d will give “ a new heart and a new spirit” to Israelites and Jewish nation. The second portion is that Israel’s soul will be cleansed by sincere repentance that will cause it to be ashamed for their evil ways. Also, this cleansing and purification links the theme with Passover. This is the reason this Haftarah was chosen to be read the weeks before Passover.
As Israel continues to fight to rid the world of Hamas Terrorists and rescue the hostages, the IDF takes extra care to NOT harm civilians. Hamas was using the hospital to fight from, and the people that were inside Israel saved and placed them with care and food. No other armed forces ever take this much reverence for human life.
Judaism tenets of faith have references that to save one life is akin to saving generations not born. The thought of eating or drinking blood is horrific for a Jewish person. Kosher butchers like my father and grandfather would salt the meat and rinse the blood fully before selling to the customers!
Shabbat Shalom V’ Am Ysrael Chai,
Rabbi Helene Ainbinder
