Parashat Korach to Chukat: Hope, Hidden Miracles, and the Power of Teshuvah

Shabbat message from Antwerp

Good morning, everyone, from a busy but cherished Antwerp. While our friends in chutz La'aretz are still reading Parashat Korach, here in Eretz Yisrael (and for those who align with its spiritual calendar), we are already in Parashat Chukat. Last week, we reflected on the destructive nature of jealousy and hatred through the story of Korach. Today, we revisit that episode with a powerful and hopeful lens, before diving into the deep messages of this week’s Parasha.

The Korach Connection: A Lesson in Last-Minute Repentance

Before the blowing of the Shofar on Rosh Hashanah, we recite Psalm 46—"Lamnatzei’ach Livnei Korach" ("For the conductor, by the sons of Korach")—seven times. At first glance, this might seem puzzling. Why honor the children of a rebel?

Here's what it teaches us:

• The sons of Korach stood beside their father, facing death as the earth opened.

• In the final moment, they made a courageous spiritual choice—rejecting their father’s path and embracing Moshe Rabbeinu and truth.

• This split-second act of Teshuvah (repentance) saved them and earned them the merit of being the ancestors of Shmuel HaNavi.

👉 Lesson: No matter how far we’ve gone or how late it seems, it is never too late to return. Even a last-minute decision for truth can transform destiny.

Parashat Chukat: Hidden Miracles and Profound Gratitude

This Parasha is a mosaic of deep, emotional events:

• The mitzvah of the Parah Adumah (Red Heifer).

• The death of Miriam, and the tragic striking of the rock by Moshe and Aharon.

• The passing of Aharon HaKohen.

• The nation’s continued struggles during their final year in the desert.

Yet amidst these struggles, a hidden miracle shines:

📖 The Song of the Well (Shirat HaBe’er) emerges after a miraculous salvation. Here’s what happened:

• The Emori, hidden in mountain caves, plotted to ambush Bnei Yisrael.

• Hashem caused the mountains to close in, crushing the enemy before the Jews even knew the danger.

• As a result, the well of Miriam began to flow again, affirming their victory and protection.

• The people responded with a heartfelt song of gratitude.

What this teaches us:

• We often look for big, dramatic miracles—but Hashem works most often in hidden ways.

• The greatest salvations can happen quietly, without our awareness.

• Every breath, every moment, every rescue—seen or unseen—is a gift.

💡 “MiMata Nachali El…”—everything we receive is a Matana (gift) from Hashem.When we humbly recognize the gifts, more blessing flows. But when we take credit or become arrogant, we can fall spiritually.

Almond tree

Hope in Dead Ends: A Final Thought from Korach

One more gem from Parashat Korach that still resonates:

• To determine the rightful leader, each tribe placed a staff in the Mishkan.

• Only Aharon’s staff—a dry, lifeless piece of wood—blossomed and bore almonds.

• This miracle revealed Hashem’s choice and a deeper truth:

👉 Even when things appear dead, dry, or hopeless, Hashem can bring life and renewal.All we must do is cry out, believe, and hold on.

Final Blessing

May this Shabbat be filled with:

• Gratitude for the hidden and open miracles in our lives,

• Hope, even in life’s “dead ends,” and

• Teshuvah, no matter where we are on the path.

Shabbat Shalom, and sending love from Antwerp.

May we all merit to see the blossoming of our own "dry sticks" into sweet fruits of blessing.

Audio from 2022