Rabbi Howard Morrison

The weekly Torah portion of Hukkat is the final Torah portion which includes the three siblings of Moses, Aaron, and Miriam. The triad contributed to the growth and development of the Jewish people in ancient times. Moses, of course, is the divinely appointed leader. He is a teacher, prophet, judge, comforter, rebuker, and more. Aaron is designated as the first Kohain Gadol, High Priest. He officiates the Tabernacle ritual. He is regarded in rabbinic tradition as a lover and seeker of peace. Miriam is a prophet in her own right. She is associated with the gift of water, having overseen her baby brother Moses float down the Nile in a reed basket, find a nursemaid for Moses after the daughter of Pharaoh picks him out of the water, and she leads the women in song and dance after crossing the Red Sea. Miriam is associated with the miracle of a well of water which accompanied the Israelites during their years of wandering in the wilderness. 

In Pirkei Avot, we read that the world stands on three pillars - Torah, Temple service, and deeds of lovingkindness. One can discern that Moses symbolizes Torah. Aaron symbolizes Temple service, and Miriam symbolizes deeds of lovingkindness. In Parshat Hukkat, we sadly read the deaths of Miriam and Aaron. We also learn that Moses will die before the Children of Israel enter the promised land. In short, this week's Torah lesson can be surnamed a portion about siblings.

This coming Monday, I will begin a long-awaited Summer vacation. For me, there is nothing more important than family. Being the one sibling who moved far away from the others, I look forward to rekindling my energies by spending time with my two sisters and my brother. My older sister Reva lives in New York. My younger brother Mitchell lives in New Jersey, and my youngest sibling, Andrea, lives outside of Boston near where we all were raised. Growing up in a tight knit family, I look forward to catching up with all three of my siblings. Later in the Summer, after Tisha B'Av, I will then fly to Denver, Colorado with my younger son Yonah to visit and spend time with my older son, Elie.

I wish us all  a safe and happy Summer. May the time we spend relaxing, traveling, spending time with family and friends be rejuvenating, especially after the last two years of shut downs and quarantines. I encourage us all to do our best in continuing to be careful regarding Covid-19 so that we can enjoy the best of what life has to offer.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Howard Morrison