Parashat Ki Tisa 5783 – Shabbat Parah

by Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields

This Shabbat is called Shabbat Parah, one of the special Shababtot before Passover. We read about the burning of the red heifer and how it was used to purify the people. We read this as we prepare for the holiday of Passover, when we begin to clean our homes and get rid of chametz, leavened. Today, there are no red heifers, so how do we purify ourselves? What can we do to clean ourselves? Is it just cleaning out our bread and crumbs? What do we truly need to do, to clean ourselves, to feel pure before God?  This is not an easy question. Do we each have a pure heart and soul?  Do we feel clean? As we prepare ourselves for Passover, let us think about what it means to be pure and clean – both physically, mentally and emotionally. The process of cleansing and what it means to be clean and pure, will be different for each person. As we ruminate on the issue of purity and cleanliness, may we all do it with great strength and courage. Chazak v’Ematz – Be Strong and Courageous!