Parashat Chukat

Moses' frustration and fatigue were no excuse for his refusal to accept the people's cry for help.

The Torah law about the red heifer was given because it anticipated the temporal nature and limitation of what Miriam had to offer.

Jewish sources suggest tears and tzedakah [charity] as two modern replacements for the Red Heifer.

Moses' fatal flaw is his inability to wean his people from their dependence on him.

Because of his position of leadership, Moses is judged extremely harshly when he sins.

Miriam, whose death is recorded in Parashat Chukat, embodied the honor and glory of the women of Israel.

Comparing Moses to Yiftah raises questions about when we should be people of speech and when we should be people of action.

Though we may challenge the severity of Moses' and Aaron's punishment, we affirm sacredness by trying to comprehend it.

Were the Canaanites the nation of Amalek?

God instructs Moses and Aaron regarding the red heifer; Miriam dies; Moses hits a rock to bring forth water rather than speaking to it; Aaron dies.