Parshas Chukas for Kids

פרשת חוקת

The parah adumah, Miriam's passing and the well that goes with her, Moshe striking the rock instead of speaking to it, and the copper snake the people look up at to be healed.

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What happens in Parshas Chukas

The parsha opens with the Parah Adumah, a mitzvah whose reason Hashem keeps hidden, which we keep simply because Hashem commanded it. Then Miriam passes away. Chazal tell us that in her merit a well, be'er Miriam, traveled with Bnei Yisrael and gave them water; when she was gone, the water stopped. Hashem tells Moshe Rabbeinu to speak to the rock, but Moshe strikes it, and water flows out. Because of this, Moshe and Aharon will not lead the people into the land.

Aharon HaKohen passes away on Hor HaHar, and his son Elazar becomes Kohen Gadol. Rashi explains that the entire nation, men and women alike, cried for him, because Aharon always loved peace and made peace between people. Later, when snakes come into the camp, Moshe makes a copper snake on a pole. Chazal explain that when the people looked up, they turned their hearts to Hashem and were healed. Bnei Yisrael begin to win their battles and come closer to Eretz Yisrael.

Lessons and middos for children

  • Doing mitzvos with emunah

    We keep the Parah Adumah even without knowing why. A child can listen to Hashem because they trust Him.

  • Loving peace like Aharon

    Aharon made peace between friends and families. We can help two friends make up after a fight.

  • Looking up to Hashem

    The people were healed when they turned their hearts to Hashem. When something is hard, we can daven.

Questions for the Shabbos table

  1. What happened to the water when Miriam passed away?
  2. Why do you think everyone cried so much for Aharon HaKohen?
  3. Is there a mitzvah you do even though you do not fully understand why?
  4. How could you help two friends who are upset with each other?

How your child steps into the story

Your child stands with the thirsty camp by the rock and sees the water flow, and joins Bnei Yisrael in remembering Aharon HaKohen with love. The story ends as the camp nears the plains of Moav, where King Balak is already making plans for the next parsha.