Torah Thoughts Chukat
This past week, I had a chance to see Pixar’s newest creation Finding Dory. One of the things I loved about the movie was watching Dory jump from ocean to whale tank to baby bottle to water cup to mop bucket to coffee pot and back to the ocean. While not realistic this plot device enables Dory to travel seamlessly between the world of fish and the world of humans (along with help from a particularly hilarious octopus named Hank).
Similarly in this week’s Torah portion, Chukat, water is the common denominator that connects the various stories. Water is included in the ritual of the red heifer, purifying the priests before they perform their duties. It is connected to both the death of Miriam and Aaron and is integral part of why Moses is not able to travel into the Holy Land. It is also the cause of a conflict between the Israelites and the Amorites. In the portion, we, like the fish in Finding Dory, seem to be hopping from water source to water source searching for a sense of home, a sense of continuity. After so much turmoil, the Israelites yearn for a simple, reliable glass of water. Perhaps home is more than a physical location, it is about knowing your needs are taken care of and that you can relax, drink in hand, surrounded by friends and family.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Alex
Last Updated on 07/22/2016 by Marc Slonim