INSIGHT 5779 - #36: THE DEFINITION OF THE TZADDIK

For  Chukkat
 
Not yet available on the Nishma website


One may wonder why we could not learn the idea I present in the Insight directly from the story of Moshe and the rock found completely within this Parsha. The fact that Moshe and Aharon are deemed to have sinned and, as such, faced the consequence of not entering Israel would seem to convey the same message regarding righteousness. We do not see righteousness from a micro perspective and while one is still responsible for the details of one's actions, the tzaddik is evaluated from the macro perspective, the gestalt. The fact is, though, that the problem with Moshe's hitting of the rock is unclear and there is so much ambiguity regarding this action, a lesson of this nature could be easily circumvented. While there is much discussion regarding what exactly Miriam did wrong, there is no doubt that a transgression was done. Nevertheless, the righteousness of Miriam is never challenged.

Insight 5777-36: THE FLOW OF THE TEXT

For Parshat Chukkat
Not yet available on the Nishma website


This recognition of how distraught the Jewish People were in response to Miriam's death may also, perhaps, provide some insight into their behaviour in regard to their request for water. The nation suffered a great loss and they felt it. This may have affected even this new generation which would be entering the land. The emotions of the moment may have been a mitigating factor.

This may also have been a factor in regard to Moshe and Aharon. They lost their sister. This fact still does not explain what transpired with them -- which ultimately is seen as a mystery -- but their emotions of the moment may be a matter to consider in some way. (The fact is that this would be a factor which would make them possibly less culpable, adding to the overall question of what actually happened that brought forth this response from God.)

RBH

Insight 5776-39: TRULY ENCOUNTERING GOD

For Chukkat

Not yet available on the Nishma website

Study Question

1)

Insight 5775-36: CONTEXT AND MEANING

For Chukkot
Not yet available on the Nishma website.

Study Question

1)

Insight 5774-36: The Other Az Yashir

For Chukkat
Not yet available on the Nishma website.


Study Question

1)

Insight 5772-38: Miriam's Well

For Chukkat

Not yet available on the Nishma website.

Insight 5770-30: Thought and Action

For Parshat Chukkat

Not yet available on the Nishma website.

Spark of the Week 5753-9

For Parshiot Chukkot and V'etchanan

Available on the Nishma website

From their inception in 5753 until 5756, Insights were originally entitled Sparks of the Week.