The Why, Where and When

In May 2011 my daughter, Judith Prays, suggested that we do some Torah study together. It was an exciting proposition for me. Undeterred by ...

39. B'midbar - This is the Statute (Chukat)

in which God instructs Moses and Aaron regarding the red heifer. Miriam, Moses' and Aaron's sister, dies. Moses hits a rock to bring forth water rather than speaking to it and is punished by being banned from entering the promised land. Aaron transfers his duties to his son Eleazar and dies on Mount Hor.
Judith Prays

On Moses hitting the rock instead of speaking to it (cost Moses dearly)

To speak or to strike?
To strike or to speak?
Speaking is cumbersome,
Striking is quick. 
Striking is expressive!
Striking is dramatic!

 But sometimes (See Chukat)
 The effect is Anticlimactic.

So let us be subtle,
 Let us go easy.
 Talk to me, dearest.
 Don’t get into a tizzy.