In this week’s Torah portion, Chukat, Bnei Yisrael—the Children of Israel—complain in the desert after Miriam’s death, when their well of water suddenly dries up. According to tradition, it was through Miriam’s merit that the people had a well that continuously provided water. Without it, they feared they would not survive. They cry out to Moses and Aaron: “Why have you brought us out of Egypt to die in the wilderness?” Their words place blame on Moses and Aaron, rather than

In this week’s Torah portion Sh’lach, the people requested to check out the land of Israel before they enter. Twelve princes --people of...