Chagiga 27: What Cannot Be Destroyed By Fire

In our last page of Chagiga, we learn about susceptibility to ritual purity and to the ravages of fire.  First, the rabbis remind us that the ritual purity of a table is determined by its core, often wood, and not by its coating, even if that coating is a metal such as gold.  In the Temple, the purest gold that was used liberally protected both the object and the people close by.

We are reminded that all people, including amei ha'aretz, are trusted in Jerusalem when it comes to questions of ritual purity.  

Fire, like that within a 'fire salamander', cannot destroy Torah scholars.  The words of Torah are like fire.  Once ingested, they strengthen Torah scholars and thus these people will not be touched by the fires of Gehena.  

I would like to believe that both special salamanders and that scholars of Torah are in possession of superpowers.  How inspiring!  But instead I wonder at the rabbis' abilities to continually praise themselves regarding the importance and the physical fortification associated with their work.  

Having said that, it is gratifying to see that Masechet Chagiga ends with acknowledgement of the importance of amei ha'aretz with regard to ritual purity.  It is only when we respect each others' practice that we will work together a people.