Sometimes We’re Metal and Sometimes We’re Earthenware

 

Parshat Chukat contains the laws of koshering items as well as the laws of purifying utensils that come into contact with tumah, ritual impurity. We learn that there is a difference between metal and earthenware utensils. A metal utensils becomes tamei as soon as it comes into contact with an impure item- even on the outside of the vessel. This stands in contrast to an earthenware vessel that only becomes impure from the inside. The Kotzker Rebbe explained that metal is a substance that has value, even in its raw form (before it is turned into a utensil). Since the substance itself is of value it can become impure from the outside of the utensil. On the other hand, earthenware is made from dirt. Dirt has no intrinsic value. The value of the earthenware vessel is in its utility and craftsmanship. Therefore earthenware can only become impure from the inside i.e. from the source of its value. Human beings are referred to as vessels in different contexts. One’s body is a vessel for one’s soul. We are vessels ready to serve God. And we are receptacles waiting for God’s blessings. In some ways we are like a metal utensil. Each of us, regardless of our abilities and achievements, possesses a dignity and sanctity. Our value is intrinsic, it exists by mere fact that each of us was created in the image of God. On the other hand, the Kotzker Rebbe writes that we can learn a lot from the earthenware utensil. While we may possess intrinsic value, we also possesses tremendous potential that requires hard work, commitment, and determination in order to bring to fruition. The Mishna in Pirkei Avot (4:20) warns us, "al tistakel b'kankan eleh b'mah sh'yesh bo”, one should not judge a person merely based on externalities. We are born with gifts and talents but we must earn the blessings that come with fulfilling the potential of those gifts.

Another difference between metal and earthenware finds expression when it comes to koshering the utensil after coming into contact with non-kosher (hot) food. Metal can be koshered by exposing it to heat; either dry eat or boiling water, depending on the circumstances of how the utensil become unkosher. Earthenware cannot be koshered through heat. In fact there is no recourse for earthenware. If it becomes unkosher it must be smashed. Once smashed it can be remade into a new vessel, and that vessel would be considered kosher. These two methods of koshering represent two paths that can be taken when it’s time to make changes in our life. Sometimes we need to “kick up the heat” ie to add energy, intensity, focus, or attention to the lives that we have been living all along. This is the metal model of koshering. But sometimes in life something drastic has to occur in order to create change for the better. Sometimes we need to smash our status quo and start again with a fresh outlook.