Chukat (Numbers 19:1-22:1) The Seduction of Perfectionism!
In the opening lines of this week’s portion, we read of a ritual that has confounded generations of commentators. Moses and Aaron are commanded to take a completely red cow “which is without blemish and upon which a yoke has not come” (Numbers 19:2). There is great mystery regarding what this ritual meant. Some traditional comments underscore that it may be beyond our realm of imagination, that as this came from God (according to traditional understanding of Torah’s origin) the true meaning may be beyond our abilities. It does reflect rituals of purification and taboos regarding death as well as symbolic expiation of sin. We have seen animal sacrifice used in Torah as a means of atonement.
Torah, as we have mentioned often, is metaphor in so many ways. The symbolism for us of this ancient ritual can speak to us and our place in today’s world. The “red cow” is to be “without blemish”, perfect! The pursuit of perfection: now there is a challenge! An on-going challenge for many in our society is just that pursuit. Yet, as we get older, and come to understand our own journey, we often come to the realization that the pursuit of perfection is a false and useless task for no one is ever perfect and the acceptance of our own self, with all out foibles and individuality is, in truth, a desired goal.
Vivian Skolnick, in her commentary on this passage suggests a psycho-spiritual comment when she writes that “The pursuit of perfectionism is an illusory goal which will ultimately turn into ashes, like the burning of the perfectly red heifer”. (“The Biblical Path to Psychological Maturity”. Vivian B. Skolnick.p.189) The symbolism of our non-perfection and the understanding that each of us have flaws or imperfections that, if properly understood, and taught, become part of the beauty of each individual soul. The focus of a person or a society on that which is not “perfect” (another means of speaking about “the other”) leads to destruction. History is filled with attempts to create perfect societies and those attempts have usually ended. Like the red cow, in ashes.
I think that this portion gives us another opportunity to reflect on our own self and soul and to accept, and even embrace, the reality of non-perfectionism. If everything is perfect, where then is the individuality of a person, a moment? Judaism teaches that each of us is unique, there is no perfect creation. To this, we celebrate our own uniqueness, the spirituality of our own imperfection.
Shabbat shalom
Rabbi Richard F Address
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