With the Passing of Aaron and Miriam

With the Passing of Aaron and Miriam

Torah Portion Hukkat (Numbers 19:1 -22:1)

With the passing of Aaron and Miriam,

Transitions of life-cycles of role models

Are witnessed, completely giving of themselves

For present and future generations.

How do we recognize and acknowledge

In thoughts, words and deeds their influence on us?

Aaron, an agent of peace, Miriam of courage,

To ensure they accompany our journey;

To lessen our complaints, diminish our mistakes;

Not to remain, who we are but to become

Who we could be, for others and ourselves;

To shorten the journey to our destiny.

And, the red heifer appears as a means

To purify, expiate, to move forward.