* Translated by Janine Muller Sherr
Are we capable of recognizing the good in our lives and expressing our gratitude for it? In Parashat Chukat, we read about the passing of Miriam while the nation is traveling through the desert. Suddenly, there is no water and the people are thirsty.
What happened here? Our sages explain that for forty years the Children of Israel drank water from a miraculous well that accompanied them in the desert. But it was only after Miriam passed away that they realized that they had received this blessing in her merit.
For forty years, they had been provided with fresh, sweet water —an essential component of life——but throughout this entire period no one had understood the source of their nourishment. Only now, when the water is gone, do they realize how much she is missed.
Our commentators want us to understand that the righteous of each generation protect the nation and bring us blessing and strength, even if we don’t realize it.
Let us take this opportunity to look around us and recognize the many people who bring blessing into our lives.
These words are dedicated in memory of Lieutenant Colonel Dor Gedalia Ben Simhon, who was killed along with three other precious soldiers while serving in Lebanon. Their tragic deaths remind us how we are constantly supported, on a daily basis, by quiet heroes who dedicate themselves to protecting our people without fanfare.
