Actual Ashes
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Fascinating Insights—The Sefer (in English)
Actual Ashes
R’ Chaim Vital once asked the Arizal if it is permitted to use the שמות הקדושים, holy names of Hashem or the שבועה of the Kadmonim that
they used for practical Kabbala for knowledge of wisdom and the like. The
Arizal answered those sages that used the holy names of Hashem had the ashes of
the Parah Adumah (which purifies one from טומאת מת,
coming into contact with the dead) like R’ Tarfon but we who are טמאי מתים are forbidden with these things.[1]
The Chida[2]
writes one who wants to sanctify and separate himself from the ways of the
world, even with great effort it won’t help because of the old and new
impurities…It is obvious to me that the Arizal was purified with the ashes of
the Parah Adumah through Eliyahu Hanavi and then wondrous Ruach Hakodesh rested
on the Arizal…On a similar note, Eliyahu Hanavi would bring the ashes of the
Parah Adumah to the Baal Shem Tov every Erev Yom Tov in order to purify him for
Yom Tov.[3]
Rabbi Alt merited to learn under the tutelage of R’ Mordechai Friedlander
Ztz”l for close to five years. He received Semicha from R’ Zalman Nechemia
Goldberg. Rabbi Alt has written on numerous topics for various websites and
publications. He lives with his wife and family in a suburb of Yerushalayim
where he studies, writes and teaches. The author is passionate about teaching
Jews of all levels of observance.
[1] Shulchan Aruch of the Arizal, Krias B’Chochmas
HaKabbala, 12. See the Karbon Nesanel at the end of Mesachta Rosh Hashana, אות ס.
[2] Midbar Kedaimos, מערכת א, אות כו.
[3] Imrei Dvash, p. 16.
[4] Avodas
Yisrael, Parshas Parah, s.v. והנה בשבת. See Sefas Emes, Parshas Parah, תרמא, s.v. וקבעו. Aruch
Hashulchan, Orach Chaim, 685:7.
[5] Beis
Aharon, p. קמד.
[6] Pri
Tzadik, Parshas Parah, 1. See also 7.
