Torah from Rabbi Saunders

n Parshas Chukas, after a long and difficult journey through the wilderness, the Torah tells us of a surprising moment of joy and song:

“Then Israel sang this song, ‘Ascend, O well, sing to it, a well dug by princes... with their staffs, from the wilderness to Mattanah.” (Bamidbar 21:17–18)

This short yet poetic Shiras HaBe’er, Song of the Well, stands in contrast to the more well-known Shiras HaYam, sung after the splitting of the sea. But while Shirat HaYam followed an open miracle, Shiras HaBe’er follows a less dramatic but deeply meaningful moment, the provision of water, quietly sustained by Hashem throughout their desert journey.

Why do Bnei Yisrael break into song here?

The water from the Be’er Miriam had accompanied them for years. Only now, nearing the end of their journey, do they stop to sing about it. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 19:25) explains that the well had sustained them not only physically, but spiritually, it was a constant sign of Hashem’s loving presence, even when they weren’t fully aware.

This teaches us a powerful lesson, true joy in serving Hashem comes not only from open miracles, but from recognizing His constant, often hidden chessed (kindness). Bnei Yisrael sing not just for the water, they sing because they realize Hashem was with them the entire time, even when they didn’t notice.

The Torah later warns that calamity comes "tachat asher lo avad’ta et Hashem Elokecha b’simcha" – "because you did not serve Hashem your God with joy" (Devarim 28:47). Simcha isn’t just a bonus in Avodas Hashem, it’s essential. Joy comes from awareness, from seeing that everything we have is from Hashem, and that He is with us at every step, even in the desert.

The Shira for the Be’er shows us how to bring joy into our spiritual lives, by learning to see the quiet gifts, to recognize the "Be’er" that sustains us every day, whether it’s health, family, moments of clarity, or the ability to learn Torah and daven.

Each of us can compose our own “Shiras HaBe’er” when we cultivate gratitude and spiritual awareness. Even when life isn’t full of grand miracles, the consistent flow of brachos (blessings) is enough to inspire a song.

Let us serve Hashem with simcha, not only when things are extraordinary, but especially in the everyday. Like Bnei Yisrael at the well, may we open our eyes to Hashem’s constant kindness and let it move us to song.

A Modern Shira, The Miracles Before Our Eyes

We are reminded of this lesson in our own times. In the recent 12-day war between Israel and Iran, over 530 missiles were launched at Eretz Yisrael. Yet, miraculously, very few people were killed or injured. Against all odds, despite the overwhelming threat, Hashem’s protection was evident in every interception, in every saved life, and in every moment of calm amid chaos. These are not coincidences. They are our modern-day wells, sustaining us in the desert of history, calling out to us to recognize, appreciate, and sing.

Real simcha in Avodas Hashem comes not only from open miracles, but from recognizing and being grateful for the hidden, constant gifts Hashem gives us, just like Bnei Yisrael did when they sang to the well. And sometimes, Hashem reminds us with open miracles too. When we see them, we must not stay silent. We must sing.