Judaism613 - Parsha

בס"ד

Parshas Chukas 5786

A Fool is Wise in His Own Eyes

“Hashem spoke to Moshe and Aaron saying (לאמור): This is the decree of the Torah which Hashem has commanded saying (לאמור)...” (Bamidbar 19:1-2)

“Answer a fool according to his folly lest he be wise in his sight.” (Mishlei 26:5)

The Kli Yakar raises an immediate textual difficulty: Why does the Torah repeat the word לאמור (saying)? We were already told in the very same breath that Hashem is issuing this commandment. What does the second instruction to "say" teach us?

Ignore Ignorance

The Kli Yakar explains that the Torah is giving us a strategic script for handling the nations of the world when they mock the paradoxical mitzvah of the Para Adumah (Red Heifer).

When a non-Jew asks derisively, "How can this ritual make sense? The very person who processes the ashes to purify the contaminated becomes spiritually impure themselves through the process!"—the Torah instructs us to reply simply: "Because Hashem decreed it so."

Any attempt to intellectualize the Para Adumah invites an endless, unwinnable debate, since its true depths are entirely hidden from human comprehension. Trying to construct a rational defense only allows the scoffer to feel wiser in his own eyes. By giving a firm, unyielding answer anchored solely in divine decree, we let the question remain unanswered, letting his own hubris reveal his foolishness.

Revere Wisdom

This creates an apparent contradiction. In Parshas Va'eschanan, Moshe declares that the nations will look at our laws and marvel: “...surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people” (Devarim 4:6). How can both realities coexist? Why do the nations deeply respect the Torah in one instance, yet mock it in our Parsha?

The Analogy of the Father's Advice

The distinction can be understood through a simple parable:

The Unexplained Counsel: As young Shimon grew up, he frequently sought his father's guidance. His father would always sit with him, carefully laying out the exact steps to take and explaining the logical brilliance behind the strategy. Over the years, Shimon built a highly successful life by adhering to this sagely advice.

One day, faced with a high-stakes crisis threatening his family, Shimon ran to his father. The father listened and gave a sharp, definitive instruction. But when Shimon asked for the rationale, his father simply responded, "Because."

Though confused and worried, Shimon reasoned: "My father has guided me flawlessly my entire life. His wisdom has saved me every single time. Why should I doubt him now just because I can't see the full picture?" Shimon followed the directive blindly, and successfully averted the crisis.

What Do You Base Your Belief On?

The nations of the world marvel at the Torah's brilliance only when it aligns with human intellect—such as the social utility of honoring parents or the moral clarity of prohibiting theft. But when a divine law transcends human logic, they scoff. Their appreciation is conditional, based on their own understanding.

A Jew, however, operates on an entirely different plane of faith. When faced with an inexplicable test or a commandment that defies human rationale, the Jew declares:

“Hashem has guided me with unbroken love through history. The fact that I cannot grasp the reason for this specific situation does not weaken my emunah. He knows what is best for me, whether I understand it or not.”

After all, who wants to serve a God small enough to be fully understood by a human mind?