Chukat - חקת : "Statute"
Torah : Numbers 19:1-22:1
Haftarah : Judges 11:1-33
Gospel : John 11-12

Thought for the Week:

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. (Matthew 5:9)

Commentary:

When all the congregation saw that Aaron had died, all the house of Israel wept for Aaron thirty days. (Numbers 20:29)

Why did Israel weep for Aaron thirty days? Aaron was 123 years old when he died, a ripe old age, full of years, yet all Israel wept for Aaron thirty days. Thirty days is the customary term of mourning for a close relative, and Aaron, as high priest over the congregation, was like a close relative to all Israel. According to Jewish tradition, Aaron was especially beloved by all Israel because he was known as a peacemaker. He was like a family member...