Chukat (Hebrew: חֻקַּת, meaning "statute" or "ordinance") is the name of the fourth weekly Torah portion (parashah) in the Book of Numbers (Bamidbar). It comprises Numbers 19:1-22:1.
The parashah deals primarily with ritual impurity and purification, focusing on the laws concerning the Red Heifer (Parah Adumah). The ashes of the red heifer are used in a purification ritual to cleanse those who have come into contact with a dead body. This ritual is considered a chukah (statute), a law for which the reason is not readily apparent and is accepted based on divine authority.
Other significant events recounted in Chukat include the death of Miriam, the lack of water leading to Moses striking the rock instead of speaking to it, which results in God decreeing that Moses and Aaron will not lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, the death of Aaron, and the Israelites' victories over the kings of Arad and Amor. The portion concludes with the Israelites encamping in the plains of Moab.