Rabbi Howard Morrison

According to most sources, Parshat Chukkat takes place during the fortieth year of our people's journey in the desert. Early in our reading, we read about the death of Miriam. There is no mention of mourning because after her death, a fresh supply of water ceased, and the panic of the people overtook any sense of national mourning. In one particular Midrash, Aaron and Moses were sitting grieving her loss, but the panic of the people prevented them from privately mourning as well.

Miriam's death and a lack of water for the people serve as a catalyst to the events that took place soon after at a rock, where Moses and Aaron were told by God to speak to the rock. Filled with their own grief, the two brothers struck the rock instead of speaking to it. Some commentators suggest that they did not follow God's instruction clearly because they were still grief stricken. When the people are called Morim (rebels) out of frustration on the part of Moses, one can hear the name Miram in the word Morim. Clearly, Miriam's death had an impact on what came afterward. Soon after the events at the waters of strife, we learn of Aaron's passing. With the urgency of water now over, the people observe a thirty period of mourning. Soon after this, Moses learns that he too will die in the fortieth year of wandering and will not be allowed to enter the promised land.

In the Midrash, these three great sibling heroes are each associated with a divine gift that temporarily ended after their deaths: the well of water associated with Miriam, the clouds of glory associated with Aaron, and the Manna from heaven associated with Moses.

Put another way, Moses was the rabbi (Moshe Rabeinu); Aaron was the Temple officiant or ritual director; and Miriam, along with other gifts and talents, was the musician of the people, as evidenced by her song and instrument at the Red Sea.  All three deaths are either documented or hinted to in this week's Parsha.

As we celebrate Canada Day today and the onset of Summer, we ought never forget the remembrances of three heroes in Beth Emeth history. Just a few months ago, we lost our beloved ritual director of many years, Danny Allman, of blessed memory. He wore other hats as well.

Last Shabbat, the 5^th of Tammuz was the Yahrzeit of Rabbi Joseph Kelman, who passed away on June 27, 2009.

Coming three days after Tisha B'Av, will be the Yahrzeit of Chazzan Louis Danto, on the 12^th of Av. He passed away on July 23, 2010.

Just as Moses, Aaron, and Miriam were given gifts by God to lead the people of Israel up to the threshold of the Promised Land; so too, Rabbi Kelman, Chazzan Danto, and Danny were given special talents and led our community into the 21^st century.

As we remember one trio mentioned in the Torah, let us also remember another trio, without whom our synagogue would simply not have been.

May all the memories be for a blessing.

Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Howard Morrison