This world is not for the faint of heart. We know that from the University of Life. G-d created you with tremendous intellect and emotion and encouraged us to use it to better ourselves and the world around us. Yet, the events of this world regularly test the limits of our mind and heart. Knowing that everything happening in our world is by G-d's hand only further challenges us. So how do we manage? How do we not only cope but succeed in our mission of bettering ourselves and making the world more divine?
The answer lies in this week's Torah portion, Chukas. There, we learn about Moses's siblings Aaron and Miriam's death and Moshe's failure to draw water from the rock, which led to his consequence: not entering the land of Israel. Such a heavy Parsha truly boggles the minds. These three leaders were giants of the Jewish people. Each of them contributed to the birth of our nation and our liberation from Egypt. Yet, small, seemingly trivial mistakes led to giant consequences and their ultimate death in the desert.
The only way to comprehend these events is not to comprehend them and train yourself to accept that. That is why this week's portion is named Chukas, a reference to the Torah's ultimate statute to cleanse people from ritual impurity using ashes from a Red Heffer. This "Chok" decree is beyond comprehension and tests the faith and commitment of our people to adhere to this commandment despite its irrationality. This Mitzvah is a stark reminder of the necessity to accept G-d's decrees when we can't understand them. To train ourselves to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. This seeming paradox is only possible because we possess a soul within each of us that is inextricably linked with its source, G-d almighty. This Neshama forms an unbreakable bond with Hashem that transcends logic, rationale, comprehension, and feeling. Similar to the connection a parent shares with a child. While they might better enjoy each other's company when their actions please the other, their relationship is such that even when they don't appreciate the behavior of the other, their love for each other is unchanged.
The Torah's guide for life in this world demands that we use our intellect and emotions as much as possible to further our relationship with G-d and fulfill our mission. Yet, we must not miss a beat when events transcend understanding. We can do this, and we must; together, we will reinforce each other and explore the depth of our connection to G-d, going beyond rationality to the depths of our souls.