Thursday, Tammuz 29, 5779 / August 1, 2019

From Pesach until this Shabbat the Torah readings in Israel and in the Diaspora were different. In Israel they were one Parsha ahead of us. But this Shabbat we will even out. In Israel they will read Parshat Masei, which is the last Parsha in the Book of Numbers. In the Diaspora we will read two Parshiot, Matot & Masei.

The reason for this adjustment this Shabbat is because nest Shabbat, the Shabbat before the fast of Tisha B’Av it is customary to read Parshat Devarim – the first Parsha in the Book of Deuteronomy.

In Parshat Matot the Torah tells that as the Jewish people were about to cross over the Jordan River to enter into the Promised Land, two of the tribes, Reuben and Gad, came to Moshe and said, “We have lots of cattle and we find that the land here, on the east side of the Jordan is very fertile and good for our cattle. Please let us stay on this side of the Jordan – the land we have conquered already from Sichon and Og.”

Moshe was upset at them and said, “Is it fair that your brothers will have to fight for their land and you will stay here?”

They answered, “Sheepfolds we will build for our cattle here and cities for our little ones; and we will go armed before the children of Israel into battle until we have brought them into their place.”

Moshe accepted their request and gave them the land on this side of the Jordan River on the condition that they fulfill their commitment to go fight and not return until all the Jews were settled in their land.

However, Moshe reprimanded them for saying, “Sheepfolds we will build for our cattle,” before “and cities for our little ones.” Thus, putting their cattle, their monetary assets before their children. Moshe said to them, “Build your cities for your little ones and folds for  your sheep.”

The above lesson is a very important one, especially in our times when monetary values so often blind us and get in the way of other important issues, especially our relationships with our spouse and children.

Said a wise person, “I see people working so hard to make more and more money. They claim that they’re doing it all for the benefit of their children. But, unfortunately too many times, in the end, they are left with only money… but no relationship with their children. We have to recognize our priorities. 

Tonight, (Thursday night) & Friday is Rosh Chodesh – the first day of the new month Menachem Av.

HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL DAY

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