One of the major religious or spiritual questions that people contemplate, is why bad things happen to good people. In Jewish theology this question is made more pointed by the idea that bad things often happen davkah to good people, or to be exact, are more likely to happen to the righteous than the wicked. The source for this rather strange idea, is the notion, found in rabbinical literature, that G-d is more exacting with a righteous person than with anyone else. The better you are, the more likely it is you will pay for your mistakes. A classic formulation of this, is Amos’ famous statement that ‘you alone have I known of the nations; therefore I will visit upon you all your iniquities’. A classic example of this principle in action is, of course, the punishment of Moses and Aaron over the incident at Merivah. Their exact offence is so unclear that the commentators go to great lengths to try and explain it, with each one coming up with a different idea. The punishment seems totally out of proportion to any sin they may have committed, yet G-d consistently refuses to commit it. It would appear that we have a clear example of the above principle in operation. Yet how do we explain such an idea? Normally people are more lenient with their family than with others, why is G-d more harsh with those who love Him than with those who despise Him? The answer lies in the nature of Divine love and Divine punishment. G-d understands that the highest gift he can give us is moral responsibility, which includes bearing the consequences of our mistakes. Divine, punishment is designed, not for retribution, but for education; both for ourselves and others. When a great person is held up to a higher standard it is a lesson not only to that individual, but to the whole of society. The more ability or knowledge you have, the more that is expected of you. When G-d is stricter with a righteous person, He is showing His love for that person, by expecting more of them, and thus enabling them to reach their moral potential. When we make excuses for people who can do better, we actually let them down, denying them the possibility of improvement. The Divine system of justice, though it may superficially seem to be unfair, is actually, in the long run, far more beneficial. 

ALIYAH BY ALIYAH SYNOPSIS 

Sidra Statistics

A red Heifer must be spotlessly red and made in total purity.