Chukat: The Challenge and Gift of Death

Introduction

There is a theme of death which runs through parshat Chukat, but its message is unclear. Rabbi Mike Feuer delves into the question of whether death is a tragedy which casts its shadow on all of life, or if it is our biggest gift? From the ashes of the red heifer to the atoning power of the loss of the righteous, this parsha explores the greatest of human mysteries.

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Credits
Larry Kluger – Creative Consultant
Arlene Harel – Production Coordinator

Mike Feuer

Rabbi Mike Feuer teaches Striving for the Divine, Rav Kook, and Jewish History at Pardes. He studied at Yeshivat HaMivtar, the Mir Yeshiva, and Sulam Yaakov, where he received rabbinic ordination and later served as Educational Director. Mike’s teaching combines rigorous textual analysis with a deep love of the poetry and spirituality found in Torah.

Since making aliyah in 2001, he has been the program director of a post-high school yeshiva and taught history, Jewish thought, and Bible in several Jerusalem yeshivot and midrashot. Today, as a consultant, spiritual counselor and creator of the Jewish Story podcast, Mike is driven by the power of story to shape our world.