A very strange theme recurs in this weeks parsha.
1. As the Torah goes into the details and the practices of the parah adumah (i.e. red heffer – albeit a holy substance to the Jewish people, a poor choice of nicknames for the female you adore), Rashi explains that this Chok law is atonement for the sin of the Egel Hazav (i.e. golden calf – the source of the Jewish people’s downfall, but a much more preferable nickname)
2. After the Nation complains about their situation in the desert, Hashem punishes them with a plague of fiery serpents. The atonement for the plague, once again, is similar to the source: this time a bronze sculpture of a snake. [Interesting how a sculpted image can serve as both the cause and the cure, but this is for another time]
What sense is there in the atonement bearing similarity to the sin? One would think that the appropriate response would be the true opposite? The answer lies in the heart of Jewish beliefs. The foundation of all that goes on in the world is that it emanates from the same source, Hashem. Remembering this principal not only steers us away from sin, but gives us the right perspective in life.