Timeless Torah

The title of this week’s Torah portion, Chukas, is commonly translated as statute, decree, or law. This particular word should not be confused with the general term Mitzvah, which is generic in nature. In fact, mitzvot, or commandments, can be divided into three distinct categories. The first of the three classifications is called Mishpatim. These laws of logic, such as the prohibitions against murder or robbery, have become the cornerstone of all decent societies. The second grouping referred to as Eidut, usually rendered as testimonies, includes the mitzvot of Shabbat and Holidays. These laws, unlike Mishpatim, are not logically compelling. Rational men might never have dreamed up Yom Kippur or Passover. Nevertheless, after the mitzvah has already been decreed, one senses the historical, social, and spiritual forces which make these Eidut reasonable.
The third and final branch of commandments known as chukim, is based upon the name of this week’s Biblical portion. These statutes are unique in that they have no rationale whatsoever. They defy human comprehension and in most cases, seem contradictory. An example is this week’s ordinance of Parah Adumah - the Red Cow. Even King Solomon, the wisest of men, who could understand the divine purpose behind other Chukim, could not fathom the reasoning for the mitzvah of the Red Cow. Every intelligent person is bothered by the same question. Why does there have to be a law which defies human logic?
Yet in truth, the knowledge that at least one facet of G-d’s wisdom as related in the Torah, is beyond the grasp of man’s intellect, must serve as the basis of our spiritual service. It is necessary that at least one commandment remain as a Chukah - to teach us that the performance of mitzvot ought to be performed, not because they appeal to one’s sense of logic, rather because G-d had so decreed. Furthermore, if all Torah matters would have descended to a rational level, it would have been impossible for a Jew to reach the level of self-sacrifice. Only after accepting all mitzvot - including chukim - at Mt. Sinai, are Jews against all reason able to survive. Our very existence has become a chukah.