Mitzvot Making Sense

A while ago, I heard an interview with Jared Kushner and Ben Shapiro. Kushner was asked how his wife, Ivanka, got interested in Judaism.

After they were fixed up to go on their first date, her curiosity about Judaism led her to take classes to learn more about her boyfriend’s religion. She eventually converted, and the rest is history.

As a married couple, they agreed to observe whatever it was that “made sense.” They are viewed by most as proud, somewhat observant Jews.

The Kushner philosophy runs contrary to the matter of the Red Heifer. Through this difficult law, we are taught that we are especially rewarded for the Mitzvot that do not make sense.

The Rabbis say, גדול המצוה ועושה משאינו מצוה ועושה. It is much greater to observe a Mitzva that we do not understand but are commanded, than the ones we are not commanded, but we observe, because they make sense.

Rav Shimshon Raphael Hirsh explained that the פרה אדומה and other חוקים that have no real rational reason, is to help show us that the spiritual rules the physical.

I have great respect for the Kushner’s and how they openly express their love for Judaism. But perhaps with a little more learning, they could raise their level of observance a lot higher.

They do seem to have a little more time on their hands!