Korach
Father and Son
This Tuesday we observe the Yahrtziet of the Lubavitcher Rebbe on the Third of Tammuz.
A constant and recurring theme throughout the Rebbe's teachings, is the unity of the Torah. Every Mitzvah in the Torah, and all the details and descriptions, contain powerful ideas that are all linked together, due to its infinite source, the wisdom of G‑d.
Our Parsha contains a perfect illustration of how a simple Mitzvah contains a powerful and spiritual component, with far reaching implications and depth.
The Mitzvah to redeem the firstborn is mentioned quite briefly. The verse states: "You shall redeem the firstborn of man". (Bamidbar 18:15) To this day, this ritual is celebrated on the thirtieth day from the child's birth, where the father redeems the child from the Kohen.
While the verse is short and concise, the Talmudic discussion focuses on the core of the Mitzvah. "Whose Mitzvah is it really?"
Is it the father's obligation to redeem his son, or perhaps the father is merely an agent helping the newborn fulfill a mitvah he cannot do yet on his own? And what part does the Kohen really have in all this?
The Rebbe, in a detailed Talmudic analysis, illustrates how this Mitzvah belongs to the father. Even in the event where the child was not redeemed at thirty days and is now an adult, the right of first refusal to perform the Mitzvah always belongs to the father.
This focus on the father's responsibility and obligation, to redeem his child in all circumstances, led the Rebbe to a very emotional conclusion. Often times in scripture the Jewish people are described as being G‑d's children, tellingly the term firstborn is also used "My firstborn son is Israel" (Shemot 4:22)
Although the Kohen has a central role in the Mitzvah, it is incumbent upon the Father to initiate the redemption. The Midrash tells us that every Mitzvah that G‑d commands us to fulfill, He alone performs that very Mitzvah.
With this in mind, the Rebbe finished, we need to implore G‑d to act on his responsibility as our father to redeem the Jewish people from exile, and bring the ultimate redemption, immediately now.
Shabbat Shalom!
Portuguese Jewish history is a rich tapestry of accomplishment and challenge spanning the centuries. Portugal's shores have produced and housed some of our greatest Rabbis and leaders. From statesman, leader and scholar Rabbi Don Yitzchak Abarbanel to Shulchan Aruch author Rabbi Yosef Karo in the 15th century through to the Lubavitcher Rebbe's time in Lisbon in 1941, Portugal has enabled tremendous developments in strengthening community and Torah.
It is in recognition of the timeless nature of these commitments, and in honor of all of those Jews who have called Portugal home through times of brilliance and darkness, that these Torah insight's from Portugal's great Rabbis is produced - here in Portugal.
Special thanks to Rabbi Shlomo Pereira for the Portuguese translation.