Parshas Chukas 5785
- Torah Tavlin
- Jul 4
- 2 min read
וידבר העם באלוקים ... בלחם הקלקל. וישלח ה' ... הנחשים ... (כא-ה,ו)
Klal Yisroel complained about the Mann and was swiftly punished with an attack of poisonous snakes. The simple understanding is that the snakes came in response to the לשון הרע spoken about the מן. However, in this regard, R’ Shamshon Raphael Hirsch zt”l explains this with a deeper thought. Throughout our sojourn in the desert, we were blessed with the protection of the ענני הכבוד. These clouds sheltered us from snakes, scorpions, and the like. Hence, when we showed a lack of הכרת הטוב, Hashem simply removed that protection thereby reverting the midbar to its natural state by default; a place full of dangerous creatures. The Yidden were thus gently reminded of the vast chasadim that Hashem had bestowed upon his children, including the precious gift of the מן.
A bit later in the parsha, we read about the שירת באר, the song of praise that Klal Yisroel sang after the well of water that had disappeared, was returned and they were able drink freely. The “song” begins with the words, "אז ישיר ישראל את השירה הזאת". The Targum Yonasan comments that after the well disappeared with the passing of Miriam, and was subsequently returned, that was when Bnei Yisroel first sang the song of appreciation.
R’ Chaim Kaufman zt”l (England) remarks that such is human nature. One appreciates what he has, or in this case had, only after losing it, even for a short time. But in truth, we should constantly count our blessings even while enjoying them, so Hashem doesn’t need to “remind” us of the good we had!
The month of Tammuz marks the beginning of the Tekufah of the Churban Bayis. Let us try to remember what we are lacking so that He can return to dwell among us in His home, the בית המקדש, with all its glory במהרה בימינו אמן!