In Parshas Chukas, we encounter a significant event in the life of Moshe Rabbeinu and the Jewish people during their journey in the desert. It begins with the death of Moshe’s sister, Miriam. Miriam had been a source of inspiration and leadership among the Israelites, and her passing marked a moment of mourning and loss for the community. Following Miriam’s death, the well that had miraculously provided water for the Jewish People throughout their desert sojourn disappears. The lack of water leads to the people’s frustration and complaints, directed towards Moshe and his brother Aharon. They express their concerns and anxieties about the scarcity of water, causing a sense of unrest in the nation.
In response to the people’s outcry, Hashem instructs Moshe to gather the community together and speak to a rock in order to bring forth water for the people. However, in a moment of anger and frustration, Moshe deviates from Hashem’s specific instructions. Instead of speaking to the rock, he yells at the people, rebuking them for their lack of faith, and subsequently strikes the rock with his staff, as he had done in a previous incident, years earlier. This act of anger and disobedience carries consequences. Hashem informs Moshe that, due to his actions, he will not be permitted to enter the Promised Land along with the rest of the Israelites. Despite Moshe’s extensive dedication and leadership, this incident prevents him from fulfilling the ultimate dream of leading his people into their destined land.
This event serves as a powerful lesson about the importance of controlling one’s emotions, even for great individuals like Moshe. Moshe’s anger resulted in a missed opportunity to witness the fulfillment of the Israelites’ journey to the Promised Land. By reflecting on this story, we can learn the significance of self-control, emotional regulation, and the importance of acting in accordance with the values we hold dear, even in challenging situations.
List of People Who Need a r’fuah sh’leimah (a complete recovery)
Please recite Psalms 20, 30, 88, 121, and 130.
Amnon ben Rivkah
Yosef Chaim ben Rivkah Rachel
Rafael Yaakov ben Ayelet
Daniel Aharon ben Davida
Yaakov Yisrael Pinchas ben Tovah
Eliezer Yosef ben Avivah Chanah
Yitzchak ben Mazal Tov
Refael Chayim Meir ben Sima Chasha
Shmuel Moshe ben Alta Sayta
Tinok ben Sharona
Shabsai ben Pesha Rachel
Eisan Meir ben Laura
Eliyahu ben Miriam
Esther Rivkah Chanah bas Tamar
Esther Hadassah bas Devorah
Mitali Naomi bas Gilah Farcha
Jaleh Sarah bas Victoria Devorah
Adinah bas Chanah
Emunah Rivkah bas Zilpah
Aliza Sima bas Shayna Brachah
To add names of individuals who need a r’fuah sh’leimah to next week’s T’hilim column, please email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and complete the Google form.
