When you Choose Shabbat, you choose to learn that every Shabbat is different and special. Last week I learned about Parashat Chukat (חֻקַּת), the 39th weekly Torah portion in the annual cycle of Torah readings.
According to Wikipedia, Chukat (חֻקַּת), Numbers 19:1 through 22;1, contains 4,670 Hebrew letters, 1,245 words, 87 verses and makes up 159 lines of the Torah scroll, making it the shortest Torah reading in the Book of Numbers. Chukat (the Hebrew word for “decree”) includes the laws of corpse contamination (tumat hamet) and purification, the deaths of Miriam and Aaron, Moses at the Waters of Meribah and the conquest of Arad, the Amorites and Bashan.
Rabbi Michael D Klein of Temple Torat Emet offers his insights on this week’s Torah reading Chukat for Shabbat, July 13, 2024 aka 7 Tammuz 5784:
“Contained in this multi-faceted Sedra are a myriad of laws and historical occurrences. Sedra Chukat represents a turning point in the journey of the Jewish Nation toward the Land of Israel. We are first given the laws of the red heifer which provide a means of purification for those made unclean by contact with the dead. Ironically, while the ashes of the red heifer purified the individuals who were unclean, it temporarily rendered those who performed the act of sprinkling them, unclean. This ceremony was performed outside the encampment and the unused ashes divided into 24 portions and were stored for future use. The mysterious nature of these commandments have been discussed for millennia and no rational explanation can be given except that we must accept these Chukim based on our belief and faith in Hashem.
Recorded in this Sedra is the death of Miriam in the wilderness of Zin and how upon her passing the people could not find water to drink. They complained bitterly to Moses and this led to a momentous event causing Moses to violate the directive from G-d to bring forth water from a rock by speaking to it. Instead, Moses struck the rock twice and is punished by G-d for his violation of the Divine directive. Moses and Aaron will not enter the Promised Land and the yoke of leadership will pass to Elazar the Kohen Gadol and Joshua.
The focus of the Sedra than shifts to Israel’s journey though the lands of Sichon of Edom and Og of Bashan. Israel seeks permission to pass through these lands peacefully on the way toward Israel. Instead of granting permission, Sichon and his people attack the Israelites, much the same way as Israel was attacked on October 7 th . One may ask why this was necessary since Israel posed no specific military threat and only desired to pass through these lands without harm or malice. The Sages ask the question, “Why would Edom attack for no reason?” The answer is spiritual not military. Rashi records that Sichon and Og were fearful that their people would by influenced by Israel and thus rebel against their immoral and autocratic rule and possibly accept the Torah.
This is a paradigm for the ages for all who fear the influence of Torah wherever the Jews have sojourned. We represent Torah and thus our actions and words must represent who we are and reflect our faith that despite being attacked and persecuted Hashem will always protect us and give us direction and comfort.”
Questions for Consideration:
- Why does the Red Heifer have restrictions regarding purity of hair color and never being yoked?
- Why is the Red Heifer ceremony conducted outside the camp?
- Why do the people begin to experience extreme thirst after the death of Miriam?
- Why does the Torah place such emphasis on Moses striking as opposed to speaking to the rock to bring forth water?
- Why does the mountain where Aaron is buried have a redundant name? (Hor Hahar= mount of mountains)
Rabbi Michael D. Klein attended Yeshiva College of South Florida and served as Torah Reader, Hebrew teacher, Chazzan and spiritual leader of various synagogues throughout South Florida. In January 2015 he became Ritual Director, Bnai/Bnot Mitzvah instructor and 7th grade Hebrew instructor for Temple Torat Emet of Boynton Beach. In October 2019 he was accepted into an accelerated track and received his shicha from Yeshiva Adath Wolkowisk and has been the Rabbinic leadership of Temple Torat Emet since August 2020. In September of 2022 he was appointed Rabbinic and Spiritual Advisor of the Florida Region of FJMC.
Choose Shabbat; choose to celebrate, to light candles, sing songs and learn a little Torah.
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