Miriam and the waters, image courtesy of Chabad.org
We have a double Torah portion this week, Chukat-Balak (Numbers 19:1-25:9). Water plays a big role in the readings. First Miriam dies. Jewish tradition links Moses' older sister to the finding of water in the desert. Immediately after
her death, the Israelites face a water shortage, so they put the blame on Moses and Aaron: "Why did you lead us out of Egypt so we could die of thirst?"
God tells Moses to gather the people and use his words to make water flow from a rock. Instead, Moses hits the rock with his staff. Water comes, but God tells him that he and Aaron won't enter the Promised Land because of this disobedience.
Let's dig into this incident and see what it says about human nature, actions and their consequences.
--Rabbi David Goodman, 248-508-0874, [email protected]
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Here's Nafshenu's schedule through August, followed by the High Holidays and the rest of 2026. Our Core Team is excited to have the dates set, so we can get to work to make this a great year for our small but spirited holy community.
JULY-AUGUST:
- Friday, July 10, 6:30-9pm: Kabbalat
Shabbat & potluck, Prince of Peace
- Saturday, July 18: Shabbat morning service and potluck, Prince of Peace
- Justice Friday, August 7, 6:30-9pm: Bring school supplies for donation to needy children. Kabbalat Shabbat & potluck, Prince of Peace.
- Saturday, August 22: Shabbat morning
service and potluck, Prince of Peace
- EVERY THURSDAY, except where noted: Bible study on Zoom, 7-8pm, at the link bit.ly/NafTorah
SEPTEMBER-DECEMBER:
- Friday, September 11, 6-9pm: Rosh Under the Stars, Prince of Peace
- Saturday, September 12, 10am-1pm: Rosh Hashanah, service & lunch, Prince of Peace
- Sunday, September 20, 7-8pm: Kol Nidre, Prince of
Peace
- Monday, September 21, 10am-12:30pm: Yom Kippur day, Prince of Peace
- Monday, September 21, 7:30-9pm: Ne’ilah, Break Fast, Prince of Peace
- Friday, September 25: Sukkah party, Location TBD
- Saturday, October 3,
6-9pm: Simchat Torah, Prince of Peace
- Sunday, October 11, 1-3pm, Food Justice Sunday, Location TBA
