Parshat Chukat: Life's Deeper Battles

Good morning, everyone! It’s wonderful to be back home, and I’m delighted to share profound insights from this week’s Torah portion, Parshat Chukat. Before we begin, I dedicate these words in loving memory of my grandfather, Rav Yehchiel ben Rav Yisrael Mayer, whose Yahrtzeit was yesterday. May Hashem avenge his blood. He was a devoted rabbi in Hungary who courageously stayed with his community during the Holocaust, embodying true leadership and sacrifice. May his neshamah have an aliyah (spiritual ascent).

Overview of Parshat Chukat

Parshat Chukat presents a complex tapestry of events: the mysterious Mitzvah of the Para Adumah (Red Heifer), the passing of Miriam HaTzaddikah, Moshe Rabbeinu’s difficult moment striking the rock, followed by rebellions, snake attacks, and Israel’s victorious wars. What connects these diverse narratives? I believe they revolve around three essential themes that speak deeply to our spiritual lives today.

1. Embracing the Unexplained: The Wisdom of the Para Adumah

The Para Adumah is a classic example of a chok—a divine commandment beyond human logic. It purifies the impure but makes the pure impure, a paradox that challenges our intellect.

Traditionally, the Para Adumah is linked to the sin of the Golden Calf (Chet HaEgel). Rashi explains that just as a mother cleans her child’s mess, the Para Adumah atones for the sin of the “Egel.” This teaches us that serving Hashem isn’t limited to what we understand as logical or “right.” True service means submitting our intellect to Hashem’s will.

The ashes of the Para Adumah, though impure by nature, purify because of total obedience to Hashem. King Solomon admitted that he never fully grasped its purpose, highlighting that spiritual success depends on Siyata Dishmaya—Divine assistance—not just human understanding. This mitzvah reminds us to trust Hashem, even in confusing or “impure” circumstances. The Midrash’s inclusion of cedar wood in the burning symbolizes the humility we need to cast off arrogance and rely completely on Hashem.

2. Miriam’s Enduring Legacy: The Power of a Righteous Soul

Parshat Chukat also records the death of Miriam, whose passing caused the miraculous well that sustained Israel to disappear. Just as the Para Adumah brings atonement, the death of a Tzaddik (righteous person) serves as atonement for the community.

Miriam’s greatness was her role as a nurturer and sustainer of the nation—she cared for Israel’s children in Egypt and provided water in the wilderness. Her life reminds us of our own potential to impact others positively. Often, we underestimate the power of our actions, but like Miriam, each of us can be a source of life and blessing for those around us.

3. The Power of Words and the Spiritual "Heshbon" (Calculations)

After Miriam’s death, the people’s desperation for water led to Moshe Rabbeinu’s error: striking the rock instead of speaking to it. His words, “Shimonu HaMorim” (“Hear now, you rebels”), were considered a transgression because Hashem holds leaders to a higher standard. The sanctity of a tzaddik’s speech is paramount; Moshe’s misstep diminished Hashem’s sanctification and barred him from entering the Land of Israel.

This teaches us to be mindful of our words, recognizing their profound spiritual impact—even unintentional speech can carry serious consequences.

The Song of the Well and Spiritual Blessings in the Desert

Later in the Parasha, we find Shirat HaBe’er—the Song of the Well—which praises the miraculous water sustaining Israel in the desert. This song teaches that even when we feel lost in the “midbar” (desert), reaching out to Hashem invites extraordinary blessings that uplift us.

The War of Life: Understanding the "Heshbon"

The Parasha ends with Israel’s victories over enemies like Sichon, king of Emori. Their victory song, “Al Ken Yamru HaMoshlim,” appears to celebrate physical battles. However, the Midrash reveals a deeper meaning: this war represents the ongoing spiritual “war of life” — the Heshbon, or spiritual accounting.

This includes:

• The gain of sin vs. its loss: Temporary pleasure from sin is fleeting and results in spiritual loss in the World to Come (Olam Haba).

• The gain of mitzvot vs. their difficulty: The effort of performing mitzvot, even when challenging, brings immense spiritual reward.

The Torah, through Sichon’s defeat, urges us to look beyond surface events—political struggles or natural disasters—and understand their spiritual lessons. By considering the Heshbon, we realize that unseen spiritual gains outweigh temporary hardships. If we internalized this truth, we would embrace mitzvot with even greater enthusiasm.

Conclusion: A Call to Emuna

As we conclude Parshat Chukat, let us deepen our connection to Hashem, trusting that even apparent impurity can lead to purity through divine will. Let us be vigilant with our words and deeds, recognizing their powerful spiritual impact. May we merit a Shabbos filled with clarity, inspiration, and connection.

With all my love from Antwerp.

Chukat 2019