Parsha Hukat

Red Heifer

In ancient times, anyone who wanted to be on the Temple Mount had to go through a process of preparation that involved immersing in water into which the ashes of a red cow had been dissolved. The terms used are ‘pure’ and ‘impure’ but these had nothing at all to do with cleanliness. They merely marked the difference in states,…

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Parsha Hukat

Striking the Rock

Back in Exodus there was a shortage of water and Moses was told to take his staff and hit the rock and water flowed copiously for the Israelites. This time, years later, he was told to speak to the rock. Instead he hit it again. His punishment for disobeying God was that he (and Aaron) were denied entry into the…

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Parsha Hukat

Miriam and Aaron Die

Miriam dies in Chapter 20. She is buried and suddenly there is no water. Hence the tradition that Miriam’s well followed the people until she died. But otherwise no mourning rituals are mentioned. Aaron died soon after in the fortieth year after coming out of Egypt. His death was very public and moving. Moses slowly stripped him of the garments…

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Parsha Hukat

Snake Symbol

There is a crisis, in this week’s Torah reading, as happens often with the children of Israel. Once again, they are complaining about Moses and his leadership. We think we are divided and self-destructive. Believe me it was worse then. In response, there is a plague of poisonous snakes. Moses made a bronze snake, put it up on a pole…

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Parsha Hukat

Lost Books

In this week’s parsha we have the first of several poems the Children of Israel used to sing about their time in the desert. Some of them were clearly written down, along with others in a book called “The Book of the Battles of God.” They do not make sense. The names they refer to (Chapter 21. Verse 14 etc.)…

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Parsha Hukat

Who Do You Fight?

We come to the start of the invasion of Canaan. As the Children of Israel approach they first encounter Edom (descendants of Esav). They send ambassadors asking for permission to pass through. They stress their family ties and expect some reciprocity or at least no opposition. They offer to compensate them for anything they use on the way. Edom refuses…

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