Matot-Masei Summaries
Matot 5768-2008 In this week’s parasha, parashat Matot, we learn of the injunction against profane speech. It is from here that we learn not only to avoid negative speech, but to always strive to make our speech as refined as possible. |
Matot-Masei 5767-2007"Vindicated Before G-d and Before People” In parashat Matot, when the tribes of Reuben and Gad (and later half of Menashe) decided to stay on the eastern side of the Jordan, Moses suspected rebellion on the part of the people and feared that it may lead to tragedy. When Moses is convinced that the tribes intend to do their share in the battle against the Canaanites, he agrees to let them stay on the eastern side of the Jordan. Moses tells the tribes that if they do their share in the battle, “they will be vindicated before G-d and before Israel.” What does this notion of vindication mean? Link to full |
Matot-Masei 5766-2006"Taking a Stand Against the Banality of Evil" In Parashat Matot, we learn that the Israelite soldiers are instructed to avenge the harlotry of Midianites that resulted in the deaths of 24,000 Israelites in a plague. Despite this exceptional instance, the Jewish soldiers are reluctant to kill the women and children, until a Divine command is issued. Why a Divine command? To teach how concerned Judaism is that killing never ever becomes casual or mundane, and to assure that indifference to life never finds a home in the hearts of the Jewish people. Link to full |
Matot 5765-2005"Love of G-d Trumps Lust for Life" In parashat Matot, Moses is told to lead the people in battle to avenge the Midianites and afterwards he will be gathered onto his people. Moses not only does not hesitate, he responds with alacrity and joy, even though he knows that the fulfillment of this command will hasten his death. This diminutive verse, reveals much about our leader, our master, Moses. Link to full |
Matot-Masei 5763-2003 "The Massacre of the Midianites: Does Judaism Countenance Genocide?" In parashat Matot, G-d tells Moses to mobilize the army of Israel and exact vengeance on the Midianites. The rabbis of old are troubled by this call. They explain that "genocide" was never countenanced by Jewish law, rather it was necessary to always first sue the enemy for peace and give them opportunity to flee if they refused to live in peace. Nevertheless, Jewish tradition teaches that one should not be overly compassionate, otherwise one will wind up being cruel at a time when compassion is appropriate. |
Matot-Masei 5761-2001 "Setting Our Priorities Straight" In parashat Matot we learn of the tribes of Reuben and Gad, [later joined by half of Menashe], who choose to remain on the eastern side of the Jordan. Moses is concerned that they will not join in the battle to conquer the Holy Land. The tribes respond, "We will build pens for our livestock and cities for our small children," and of course they will send troops. Moses, however, corrects them, telling them that their children should come before their livestock. The value of human life is infinite, and must always come first, even in a thoroughly materialistic generation such as the one in which we live. |
Matot-Masei 5760-2000 "Jeremiah's Prophecy: An Ancient Message for Contemporary Times" The message of Jeremiah that is read during the three weeks is entirely appropriate for this period of sadness that we experience at this time of the year. There are distinct parallels between the rebuke that Jeremiah gave to the ancient people and our contemporary experiences. |