For the source text click/tap here: Chullin 142
To download, click/tap here: PDF
Massekhet Ḥullin closes with a Mishna that relates how the passage regarding the mitzva of shilu’aḥ ha-ken teaches that fulfilling this simple commandment guarantees a good and lengthy life (see Devarim 22:7.)
In fact, there is another mitzva that offers a similar promise – kibbud av va-em (respecting one’s parents – see Devarim 5:15) also includes a clause guaranteeing that “your days may be long, and that it may go well with you.” Rabbi Ya’akov, however, argues that in making these statements the intention of the Torah is to guarantee a share in the World-to-Come.
This teaching was based on his own personal experience. Once he saw a child who was sent by his father to perform the mitzva of shilu’aḥ ha-ken, and during performing both this mitzva and the mitzva to honor one’s parents, the child fell and died.
We have discussed this story elsewhere so today we explore the writings of R Kook vs Hegel and Zizek and Rav Shagar comments to their theory of nihilism and heresy.