Because Hashem Said So [Parsha Pearls: Chukas-Balak] 5786

In this Parsha Review Podcast episode on the double portion Chukas-Balak, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe focuses on the opening of Parshas Chukas and the enigmatic mitzvah of the Parah Aduma (Red Heifer). This completely red, unyoked cow whose ashes purify those contaminated by contact with the dead is presented as the quintessential “chok” — a divine decree whose reason is beyond human comprehension. Rabbi Wolbe explains that the Torah calls it “Zos Chukas HaTorah” (this is the decree of the Torah) to teach that the essence of Torah observance is fulfilling Hashem’s will, not only when we understand the reasons. He draws powerful parallels to the shofar on Rosh Hashanah (“Rachmana amar tik’u” — because the Merciful One said to blow it), the sages’ protective decrees (yichud, harchakos, not reading by candlelight on Shabbos), and the oral Torah’s necessity. Stories from the Talmud and historical examples illustrate the greatness of following rabbinic guidance even without full explanation, and the dangers of basing observance solely on logic or “reasons” (as seen in certain historical movements). The episode culminates in a call to observe all Mitzvos — even those we don’t fully understand, like avoiding Lashon Hara — purely because they are the divine will of Hashem, the ultimate Source. _____________ This episode of the Parsha Review Podcast is dedicated in honor of Lenny & Teresa Friedman Download & Print the Parsha Review Notes: https://drive.google.com/drive/folder... Recorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on June 23, 2026, in Houston, Texas. Released as Podcast on June 24, 2026 _____________ Subscribe: Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...) Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/22lv1kX...) to stay inspired! Share your questions at [email protected] or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content. _____________ About the Host: Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life. To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback: [email protected] _____________ Support Our Mission: Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference! _____________ Subscribe and Listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Hey Rabbi! Podcast: https://heyrabbi.transistor.fm/episodes Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/e... Jewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/epi... Parsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodes Living Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodes Thinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodes Unboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodes Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/epis... For a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org _____________ Keywords: #Torah, #Parsha, #Numbers, #Bamidbar, #Chukas, #Balak, #ParahAduma, #Chok, #Decree, #RedHeifer, #Shofar, #LashonHara, #OralTorah, #RabbinicDecrees