Weekly Torah portion
Parascha Chukat חקת
Numbers (Bamidbar) · Numbers 19:1-22:1
„Statute"
Summary
The portion begins with the laws of the Red Heifer (Parah Adumah), a mysterious ritual used to purify those who had come into contact with death. This commandment is classified as a 'Chok,' a law that transcends human logic and represents total obedience to the Divine.
After forty years in the desert, the Israelites face a water crisis. Moses is commanded to speak to a rock, but he strikes it instead; as a result, he and Aaron are told they will not lead the people into the Promised Land. Shortly after, Aaron passes away, and his son Eleazar succeeds him as High Priest.
The Israelites continue their journey, encountering various nations. After being bitten by venomous snakes due to their complaints, they are healed by looking at a copper snake. The portion concludes with significant military victories over the kings Sihon and Og.
People
Eleazar
The son of Aaron who inherited the role of High Priest after his father's death.
Miriam
The sister of Moses and Aaron who passes away in the wilderness of Zin.
Sihon
The King of the Amorites who refused to let Israel pass through his land and was defeated in battle.
Og
The mighty King of Bashan who led his army against the Israelites and was conquered.
Moses
The leader who was denied entry to Israel after striking the rock instead of speaking to it.
Key commandments (mitzvot)
The Red Heifer · Numbers 19:2
The procedure of preparing the ashes of a completely red cow to purify those who are ritually impure.
Impurity of a Corpse · Numbers 19:14
The laws regarding how ritual impurity is contracted through contact with a deceased person.
Purification Water · Numbers 19:19
The requirement to sprinkle the special purification water on the third and seventh days of the impurity period.
Full text
Quiz & badge
Answer every question correctly to earn the badge.
1. What was unique about the Red Heifer used for purification?
2. Why were Moses and Aaron barred from entering the Promised Land?
3. Who became the High Priest after Aaron died?
4. How were the people healed from the plague of snakes?