- In Numbers 19:1-8 there is a description of a red heifer which is to be selected and slaughtered (the word “offering” is not used here nor is there any reference to any altar), and this first section concludes with the fact that there are those who have specific roles. In Numbers 19:9, what is to become of the ashes of the heifer?
- In Numbers 19:9, further, it is noted that these ashes are to be placed in a specific location. Is there any indication of their use?
- In Numbers 19:11-22 there is a description of the utilization of the ashes of the red heifer for the purpose of rendering clean those who have become impure through touching a cadaver or that which is related thereto. Are these ashes for any individual in this situation?
- Why would the attitude towards a cadaver or that which is associated by the dead require a very special treatment?
- Would the principle of this chapter be that one must prepare for community needs (in this case purification) before the need actually arises?
- Could that principle, then, be extended to other services for the community, of varying natures, prior to the actual need arising?
- And, if that is a principle, what is the TorahRefers to the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, the Tanakh, also called the Five Books of Moses, Pentateuch or the Hebrew equivalent, Humash. This is also called the Written Torah. The term may also refer to teachings that expound on Jewish tradition. Read more teaching as to community planning and what the religious leaders are expected to do for the overall community?
- Would this chapter, then, suggest “crisis response” or, rather, preparation before crisis and before need?
