Chukas – Peninim on the Torah

“And Yisrael sent messengers to Sichon . . . let me pass through your land we will not turn aside into field or into vineyard, we will not drink of the water of the wells, by the kings highway we will go until we have passed your border.” (21:21,22) – “And Sichon would not permit Yisrael to pass through his border, and Sichon gathered together all his people and went against Yisrael into the wilderness.” (21:23)

In this narrative, the Torah relates how Moshe requested Sichon’s permission for Am Yisrael to pass through his land. He promised Sichon that nothing would be touched and no one would be harmed. Sichon’s response was swift and emphatic. He not only prohibited their entry, but he subsequently waged war against them. This reaction is puzzling! What fear gripped Sichon that caused such terrifying concern, catalyzing his immediate attack on the Jews? They were not his enemies. It was not their desire to ravage his country. They were basically peace loving people who wanted access to their promised land. Horav…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Chukas, 5753

“And Moshe undressed Aharon of his garments, and put them upon Elazar, his son.” (20:28)

Chazal describe the uniqueness of this undressing of Aharon. Normally, Aharon would first have to remove all of his garments, so that Elazar could don his undergarments first. As Aharon removed his outer garment, however, Elazar immediately put it on. This became Elazar’s undergarment. As Aharon continued by removing this undergarment, it, in turn, became Elazar’s outergarments. There is a profound homiletic lesson to be derived herein. Aharon’s inner “garments” or essence, the way he acted in the privacy of his own home, was reflected externally by his children. Children invariably reveal the actual values and outlook presented in their…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Chukas, 5753

“And they journeyed from Kadesh, and the Bnei Yisrael came, the whole congregation, to the Har Ha’Har.” (20:22)

Rashi cites a Midrash which is particularly relevant in contemporary times. The pillar of cloud which travelled before Bnei Yisrael leveled out the mountains and flattened the hills which stood in Bnei Yisrael’s path. There remained, however, three mountains which resisted the shattering clouds: Har Sinai was spared, since the Torah would be given on it; Har Nevo was to be Moshe’s burial place; and Har Ha’Har was singled out as Aharon’s burial place. Horav M. Swift, z.l., poignantly expounds on this Midrash. He draws an analogy between the significance represented by the stated purpose of these mountains and important…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Chukas, 5753

“And Moshe and Aharon gathered together the assembly before the rock and said to them, ‘Listen you rebels; are we to bring forth to you water out of this rock?'” (20:10)

The Ramban cites the Rambam who states in Moreh Nevuchim that Moshe Rabbeinu’s sin consisted of expressing himself in anger towards Bnei Yisrael. His statement, “Listen you rebels,” signified a weakness on his part. For an individual of Moshe’s exalted stature to express himself in such a manner was considered a chillul Hashem, desecration of Hashem’s name. People considered Moshe to be a role model. They emulated his actions and words in the hope of achieving such success. How could Moshe then appear to be angry, demonstrating such an evil trait? Horav E. Shach, Shlita, suggests that a fundamental and…

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Back to Home -> Chukas -> 5753

“And Moshe undressed Aharon of his garments, and put them upon Elazar, his son.” (20:28)

“And they journeyed from Kadesh, and the Bnei Yisrael came, the whole congregation, to the Har Ha’Har.” (20:22)

“And Moshe and Aharon gathered together the assembly before the rock and said to them, ‘Listen you rebels; are we to bring forth to you water out of this rock?'” (20:10)

YEARS

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