Four Torah Statutes That Defy Reason in Chukat

The nakedness of a brother's wife — from where? As it is written, "You shall not uncover the nakedness of your brother's wife" (Leviticus 18:16), yet it is written, "Her brother-in-law shall come in to her" (Deuteronomy 25:5). During [his] lifetime she is forbidden; [but if] he died without children she is permitted to him. And the term "statute" is written concerning it, as it is written, "And you shall keep [all] My statutes" (Leviticus 20:22). Mixed kinds — from where? As it is written, "You shall not wear interwoven cloth" (Deuteronomy 22:11), yet a linen sheet with fringes is permitted. And the term "statute" is written concerning it, as it is written, "You shall keep My statutes: you shall not let your cattle mate with a different kind, [and a garment of mixed cloth, sha'atnez, shall not come upon you]" (Leviticus 19:19). The goat that is sent away — from where? As it is written, "And the one who sends away the goat to Azazel [shall wash his garments]" (Leviticus 16:26) — yet it itself atones for others. And the term "statute" is written concerning it, as it is written, "And this shall be for you an everlasting statute" (Leviticus 16:34). The [red] heifer — from where? As we have learned there: all who occupy themselves with the [red] heifer from beginning to end render their garments unclean, yet it itself purifies the unclean. And the term "statute" is written concerning it, as it is written, "This is the statute of the Torah" (Numbers 19:2).