Recognizing God’s Gifts
Jul 5, 2008 By Marc Wolf | Commentary | Hukkat
There is a voice that echoes in my memory; so distinctive that I can recall it clearly even today.
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In Memory of Sylvia Ettenberg
Jun 30, 2012 By Abigail Treu | Commentary | Text Study | Hukkat
The week we read of the passing of Miriam is the week that our community mourns—among others—Sylvia Ettenberg, dean emerita at JTS for more than half a century.
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Moses’s Misstep: Words Not Deeds
Jun 27, 2014 By Matthew Berkowitz | Commentary | Hukkat
With the loss of both Miriam and Aaron, Parashat Hukkat marks a liminal and tragic point in the Israelite wanderings toward the Land of Israel.
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The Butchers
Jun 26, 2015 By Alan Mintz (<em>z”l</em>) | Commentary | Hukkat
The ritual of the red heifer (Num. 19) has always fascinated readers. Not only is it elaborate and mysterious, it is also based on a rarity: a red cow. The paradoxes and power of this passage attracted the attention of modern Hebrew writers. Set in Eastern Europe, “The Red Heifer” tells the story of butchers who steal a beautiful and vigorous cow, butcher it without a shoḥet (a ritual slaughterer), and sell the meat as kosher. The centerpiece of the story is a gruesome, blow-by-blow description of the slaughter, the great animal quivering and gushing blood.
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The Perils of Leadership
Jul 2, 2011 By David Hoffman | Commentary | Hukkat
Great leadership is about successfully orchestrating change. Whether within organizations, communities, or other social systems, leadership involves developing a vision of the future and implementing strategies to achieve this vision. Exercising leadership means motivating and inspiring people to change habits, attitudes, and values that hold them back from reaching their goals.
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No Single Solution
Jun 12, 2013 By Matthew Berkowitz | Commentary | Hukkat
At its essence, Parashat Hukkat brims with questions and mystery.
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The Blessing of a Sister
Jun 27, 2014 By Julia Andelman | Commentary | Hukkat
Among the many momentous events that occur in this week’s short but action-packed parashah, we read of the deaths of both of Moses’s siblings, Miriam and Aaron.
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Miriam’s Legacy of Leadership
Jun 12, 2013 By Shira D. Epstein | Commentary | Hukkat
If you were asked to rapidly rattle off the top three iconic biblical leaders, which would you name? There is a high probability that Moses would appear on the list or, possibly, Aaron or Abraham. Even if valued, Miriam most likely would not make the cut.
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