Rabbi's Musings

This week we read a double portion: Matot and Masei—the final chapters of the Book of Numbers. These portions mark the end of the Israelites’ wilderness journey and prepare them for the next chapter: entering the Promised Land.

At one level, these readings are filled with disparate laws and events: vows and oaths, the war with Midian, the request of Reuven and Gad to avoid war, a long list of encampments, and the establishment of cities of refuge.

But beneath the surface, Matot-Masei is about something much more personal and deeply resonant: 

To wit: How do we move through life with integrity? What is the worth of our promises? Our responsibilities to others? And to those who have harmed others in error?

We read in the portion: "A person who makes a vow to the Lord or takes an oath to bind themselves with a pledge must not break their word; they must do everything they said." (Numbers 30:3) The importance of words is central to Jewish thought.

We then read that the fighters against the Midianites must exercise restraint. Even in war, there are rules to be followed. Next, the Reuven and Gad tribes ask Moses to let them stay out of war and see to their businesses and families. Moses reminds them that first they must serve with all the tribes and when there is peace they can continue with their plans.

The portion ends with a profound institution: the ir miklat, city of refuge. Someone who kills unintentionally may flee there, safe from vengeance.

This is a society that believes in second chances. In balancing justice with compassion.

Even as we build boundaries and systems, we are called to preserve the humanity of everyone.

With these insights the Book of Numbers ends, and the brilliance of Deuteronomy begins. May we be blessed to learn from the Torah and go from strength to strength!