Chukat: A New Era Begins

My, how time flies! It was true in the ancient world, just as it still is today. In this week's parashah, the narrative skips 38 years in the time it takes to end chapter 19 and begin chapter 20 in the Book of 

Numbers. The blink of an eye. All at once, it feels instantaneous and eternal; a fleeting memory and an entire generation. In his Torah commentary, Rabbi Gunther Plaut writes: "There is little further to be said about those who loved the security of slavery more than the uncertain freedom that was offered them." Why waste any more time on the generation that didn't know how to change, evolve, and make society better? The Torah thanks them for their contribution, and then swiftly moves into a new era. I can't think of a more perfect metaphor for the Supreme Court's ruling, earlier today, on gay marriage.

Twenty years from now (though perhaps only ten, or five, or even three; who knows at the swift rate things are moving!), everyone will say they supported gay marriage. It will become like civil rights a generation ago; no one today would admit that, back then, they were the neanderthal who wanted to keep segregated water fountains! 

Right now, this feels controversial, and it IS a major victory because many people still oppose same-sex unions. And yet, it also somehow feels ancient; like people who still (somehow) accidentally use racial slurs and don't get why it's a big deal. The times they are a-changin'; of that there is no doubt. In the very near future, I am certain this will seem like such a non-issue, because we won't be able to fathom who would ever DREAM of restricting same-sex marriage, or adoption, or inheritance rights? It will puzzle us, which is why it will surely (and thankfully) fade into our distant memory very soon. 

But the Torah doesn't really want you to forget. We WANT to read about the early generation of Israelites who feared changed, whined at the idea of taking responsibility for one another, and opposed 

progress. We need to hear about our origins, so we learn to recognize it in ourselves when we face new issues down the road. Today, we have finally seen the light, and have lifted marriage equality to an incredible new height. But let's not pretend that this is the last challenging issue that society will face. Let's harness this sense of progress and elation, and remind ourselves that this WAS a big deal, it WAS a hard-fought win, and other battles will surface in the future that will need our enthusiasm and determination.

Sometime we imagine that change comes when EVERYONE is already in agreement. We don't want to offend, so we won't make official policy changes until all minds have been changed and opposition has been silenced. But honestly, that's rarely 

how it goes. Instead, there's a groundswell of opinions that press for change, some are persuaded while others remain resolute, and ultimately, when change comes, many are not yet convinced and need time to come around. But change does ALWAYS come. That part is certain. So if you're still trying to decide, just remember the ancient Israelites. I don't think you want to be stuck languishing in the desert, never able to enter the Promised Land. Leave those 38 years in the past, and turn to face the future with excitement and anticipation. The land is good. 

Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech Ha-Olam, Shehecheyanu, v'Kiyemanu, v'Higianu La-Z'man Ha-Zeh. Amen.

Photos in this blog post:
1. CC image courtesy of Ebraminio on Wikimedia Commons
2. CC image of Little Rock, 1959 courtesy of John T. Bledsoe on Wikimedia Commons
3. CC image courtesy of Jim Padgett on Wikimedia Commons
4. The Marriage Equality logo, courtesy of the Human Rights Campaign.