Weekly Torah Commentary

While Korach's rebellion was inappropriate in the context of newly freed slaves in the wilderness, his challenges speak to us powerfully today.

Unlike Abraham, Bil'am failed to examine his own prayers and intentions, attributing their failure to his location of prayer.

Balaam's death by sword at the hands of the Israelites is ironic retribution for his verbal power over them.

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

Unlike Jewish prophets, Balaam was merely a mouthpiece for the word of God, not an active participant.

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.

Miriam's death should motivate us to recognize people today who provide nurture and support.

The tzitzit (fringes) and tallit (prayer shawl) serve as physical reminders of our connections with previous generations and of the faith that sustained them and us.

The verses recited when the ark (and today the Torah) was carried remind us of our own restless wanderings.