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Parshah Matot-Masei
This week’s Torah portion is a double portion, Matot – Masei. Matot, means “Tribes” and is found in Numbers 30:2 and the Masei means “Journeys,” and it is found in Numbers 33:1. The portion begins with Moses teaching the leaders of the Tribes about making vows and oaths. The Israelites fight a war against the Midianite people for their role in leading Israel astray. Afterward, the spoils of war are carefully divided among the soldiers, the people, the Levites, and the High Priest.
The tribes of Reuben and Gad ask to settle east of the Jordan River instead of crossing into the Promised Land, as the area is perfect for their cattle. Moses is initially upset, fearing they will abandon the rest of the nation. They resolve the conflict by promising to lead the battle for the rest of the land before returning to settle.The forty-two journeys and encampments of Israel are listed, from the Exodus to their encampment on the plains of Moab across the river from the land of Canaan. The boundaries of the Promised Land are given, and cities of refuge are designated as havens and places of exile for inadvertent murderers. The daughters of Tzelafchad marry within their own tribe of Manasseh, so that the estate which they inherit from their father should not pass to the province of another tribe.
Parshah Masei outlines all 42 encampments and journeys the Israelites took during their 40 years of journeying in the wilderness.
Why does the Torah take the time to detail the entire journey?
What can we learn from this outline of encampments for our own Spiritual Journey?
Come join us for Torah study and Kabbalat Shabbat and let’s get into it!
Rabbi Scott is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
