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Rav Aryeh Leib Malin zt”l was among the survivors of the Mir Yeshiva who learned in Shanghai during World War II. In America, he established the Beit HaTalmud Yeshiva College in Brooklyn and served as the Rosh Yeshiva. Legend has it that one day Rav Malin came to Shiur prepared to teach his Talmidim. However, at the last minute he decided not to give Shiur that day because he felt that, “his students were simply not thirsty enough for his Torah.” We can learn from Rav Malin that there are times in life that we need to express our interest for self growth, and without making it clear that we are prepared for more Kedusha. This message is found both in Parashat Ki Tisa as well as Parashat Parah.

In Parashat Ki Tisa, the Torah (Shemot 30:19) states, “VeRachatzu Aharon U’Vanav MiMenu Et Yedeihem Ve’et Ragleihem”. This Pasuk is the source for the Mitzvah which obligates Kohanim to wash their hands and feet before they serve in the Beit HaMikdash (Rambam, Sefer HaMitzvot Asei 24). Interestingly, the Rashba understands the Mitzvah of washing Netilat Yadayim each morning as related to the washing of the Kohanim in the Beit HaMikdash. Specifically, the Rashba points out that there is no reason to require a formal hand washing with a vessel each morning once our hands are already clean. It must be that the daily netilat yadayim is not simply about cleanliness. Therefore, the Rashba explains that we wash our hands each morning to show HaShem that “we are ready to serve Him just as the Kohanim washed their hands in the Beit HaMikdash.” In other words, the act of washing one’s hands is a symbolic demonstration that we are now prepared to serve HaShem just as the Kohanim demonstrated in the Beit HaMikdash. It is this act of purification that shows HaShem that we are thirsty for the upcoming service whether it be in the Beit HaMikdash or in our shuls each day. 

Similarly, the theme of Parashat Parah is preparation for purity. The Mishnah Berurah            writes that we read Parashat Parah before the month of Nissan since this is the time of year when Bnei Yisrael was purified in the desert. Specifically, all Jews need to be pure before Pesach in order to partake in the Korban Pesach. Therefore, the purification process begins just before Nissan to ensure that all members of Klal Yisrael are purified in time. The Mishnah Berurah also adds that our reading of Parashat Parah nowadays serves as a prayer to HaShem “that He soon purify us as we experienced in the times of the Beit HaMikdash.” In summary, the message of Parashat Parah is that we are demonstrating our readiness for self growth and a higher level of purity.  

While one might think that there are simply two categories: pure and impure, the truth is that there are different levels of purity itself. Certainly, there are different levels of purity in our Avodat HaShem. Specifically, the Mesilat Yesharim elaborates on the topic of serving HaShem with the purest of intentions. The Ramchal points out that there are times when “we do Mitzvot for the sake of HaShem with some ulterior motives attached.” For example, a person might give Tzedaka with a genuine desire to help another in need and perform a Mitzvah. Yet, the person might also be too excited to receive recognition for this Mitzvah. While it is true that a Mitzvah is being performed, it is also true that the Mitzvah could have been performed with a higher level of purity. As we read Parashat Ki Tisa and Parashat Parah, let us focus on the need to show HaShem that we are excited to serve Him and grow with the purest of intentions.