When a verse or phrase repeats itself several times, it is necessary to examine why. There is usually an important message that needs to be identified, internalized and implemented.
Let us analyze the words of this verse. We need to perform some introspection and check all the evil inclinations within ourselves that need to be purged. Some examples.…Negative thoughts! Bitterness! Focusing on unimportant things! Chains that bind us! Obsessions! Fears that paralyze us! The inability to see clearly! You name it!
The Hebrew word translated as “purge” in this Torah portion is actually “to burn.” What does it mean to burn something? It means to utterly destroy it until there is nothing left, only ashes.
When we burn things, acrid smoke is usually produced. Smoke causes tears, a sense of suffocation, pain. We experience the same feelings when we allow the evil within us to be purged. It hurts! But we must first identify the evil within us that needs to be purged. Only then the...
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