Parashat Chukat-Balak

Numbers 19:1–25:9

In this parashah we read about the death of Moshe's brothers. When Aaron dies, Moshe and all the people will mourn for thirty days. However, when Miriam dies we do not read about the mourning of her brothers or the people. Aaron will have a replacement, his son, Eleazar, who will inherit his position as priest, therefore, before his death, Moshe will strip him of his clothes priests for Eleazar to dress.

In Miriam's case, no one will be able to replace her. Miriam's absence will entail a different mourning, because the town will run out of water. Miriam was the one who found the water wells, vital to survive in the desert, basic for life. Only God will be able to find water for the people of Israel again. Not even Moshe and Aaron will be able to get water, without it causing them serious problems in the future.

It is often said that no one is essential, but sometimes they appear in our lives unrepeatable people. Aaron, the cohen, will be replaced by his son even before die, Moshe will give his place to Joshua before he dies, but to Miriam, no one will be able to replace her, she will be one of those unrepeatable characters in the Torah, although not He would hold a title as important as that of kohen, or that of rabeinu.