In a recent video, linked below, hosted by Adam King, featuring participants including Byron Stinson, Rabbi Eliyahu Berkowitz, and Rabbi Baria Shakar, numerous assertions were made regarding the ritual of the פָּרָה אֲדֻמָּה (parah adumah, red heifer), as outlined in בְּמִדְבַּר י”ט (Bamidbar 19, Numbers 19). The discussion, intended as a debate on the validity and implications of a purported red heifer ceremony, included claims that diverge significantly from the explicit directives of the מִשְׁנָה (Mishnah) in מַסֶּכֶת פָּרָה (Masechet Parah). While the video expresses enthusiasm for temple restoration, a commendable aspiration, it introduces inaccuracies that warrant correction to preserve the sanctity of halakhah. This rebuttal draws upon foundational sources, including the Mishnah, the Talmud Bavli (particularly Yoma), and the Rambam’s הִלְכוֹת פָּרָה אֲדֻמָּה (Hilchot Parah Adumah) in the Mishneh Torah, to address these claims systematically. These texts represent the core of halakhic tradition, emphasizing precision over interpretive leniencies from later writings.

Gratitude to Byron Stinson

First, gratitude must be extended to Byron Stinson for his dedication. As a non-Jew motivated by a profound respect for biblical mandates, Stinson invested substantial resources, nearly a million dollars, to import red heifers from Texas to Israel in 2022, aiming to facilitate their use in purification. In the video, he recounts his journey: “I spent close to a million dollars to get cows there. And they’ve been there since 2022.” His efforts reflect a sincere desire for collaboration, as he states, “I’m here to serve. I’m here to do whatever I can.” Such commitment deserves recognition, aligning with the prophetic vision of nations supporting Israel’s redemption (יְשַׁעְיָהוּ ס’:י’, Yeshayahu 60:10, Isaiah 60:10). However, while his intentions are laudable, the halakhic framework requires that actions conform to Torah law, not personal zeal. Let’s take a look.

Acquisition of the Heifer

Given that these funds were likely raised from Christian sources, the actual owners should be compensated properly for the animals themselves, ensuring clear Jewish ownership under halakhah. An estimated reimbursement covering his personal expenses plus a premium, would fulfill this. This invokes David HaMelech’s principle in דִּבְרֵי הַיָּמִים א’ כ”א:כ”ד (Divrei HaYamim Alef 21:24, 1 Chronicles 21:24): “I will not offer burnt offerings to Hashem my God that cost me nothing” (לֹא אֶעֱלֶה לַיקֹוָק אֱלֹהַי עֹלוֹת חִנָּם). Though not an offering itself, the parah adumah enables all of Israel in bringing voluntary korbanot (offerings), so purchase it outright to remove any doubt.

Inaccuracies in Location

One central inaccuracy concerns the location of the ritual. King........

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