Parshas Vayakhel (Parah) 5785
- Torah Tavlin
- Mar 20
- 1 min read
וזרקתי עליכם מים טהורים וטהרתם מכל טמאותיכם ... (יחזקאל לו-כה)
In this week’s unique Haftorah, Yechezkel HaNavi mentions the “purifying waters” that Hashem will sprinkle upon His Nation with the coming of Moshiach - obviously connected to the theme of Parshas Parah. Chazal (Yoma 85b) teach us that Yom Kippur atones for transgressions between a man and Hashem, but wrongdoings between a man and his fellow man, only Yom Kippur will atone once amends are made. But if a person must appease his fellow man before being granted atonement, shouldn’t we need to go through the same preliminary step to appease Hashem before Yom Kippur absolves us of our בין אדם למקום sins?
The Maharal zt”l offers a fascinating vort on this. Hashem in all His glory is above mankind, and the very concept of sin is not applicable to Him. It is simply a non-factor to the Almighty. Rabbi Akiva said, “How fortunate are you, Israel; before Whom are you purified, and Who purifies you? Your Father in Heaven.” An amazing statement which sheds light on Hashem’s attitude towards Klal Yisroel. No matter where or when, a Yid’s instinct is to cling to Hashem, and when Klal Yisroel completely clings to Him, sin - which is not applicable to Hashem - is removed from the equation entirely and we are absolved of our sins. This explains why Yom Kippur automatically atones for בין אדם למקום sins without any preliminary appeasement needed. The Parah Adumah had the same qualities and once sprinkled with the holy ashes, a person became one with Hashem and automatically purified.