B"H

Friday, Tammuz 25, 5783 (Hakhel Year) / July 14, 2023

This Shabbat, with the reading of Parshat Matot& Masei, we conclude the fourth book of the Torah – the book of Numbers (Bamidbar). We also bless the new month, Menachem Av. Rosh Chodesh is Tuesday night and Wednesday.

In Parshat Matot the Torah relates that the tribes of Reuben and Gad had a great multitude of cattle.  They came to Moshe and requested to inherit land on the eastern side of the Jordan River, rather than settling on the other side together with the rest of the people of Israel.

Moshe rebukes them; “Shall your brethren go to war and you will sit here?  You will turn away the hearts of the Children of Israel from going into the land which G-d has given them.”

Moshe reminds them what happened when the ten spies came back and convinced the people not to go to the Promised Land. This resulted in their staying in the desert forty years. 

The tribes of Reuben and Gad replied that they will go and fight together with their brothers. “We will build fences to secure our cattle and cities for our little ones. We ourselves will be ready and go armed before the Children of Israel... we will not return to our houses until the Children of Israel have inherited every man his inheritance.”

Moshe was satisfied. He said to them, “If you will do this thing and go to war... until the land will be conquered… then this land shall be to you for a possession before G-d.”

Then Moshe instructs them, “Build cities for your little ones and fences for your sheep and do that which has proceeded out of your mouth (i.e. keep your promise).”

Q.  The tribes of Reuben and Gad told Moshe, “We will build fences to secure our cattle and cities for our little ones.” First mentioning securing their cattle and then their children. Yet, Moshe instructed them, “Build cities for your little ones and fences for your sheep.” Why did he reverse the order?

A.Our sages tell us that Moshe rebuked the two tribes for speaking of the safety of their cattle before their children.  Thus, he instructed them to go about this in the proper order; “First build cities for your little ones and only after you shall build stables for your cattle.”

As with every part of the Torah, there is an important lesson here. Especially in our time when so much emphasis is placed on material success, at times, unfortunately, even at the expense of our children. 

The lesson from this story in the Torah is that we must place much greater priority and emphasis on protecting our children. Monetary and social success is important, but it should only be secondary to the spiritual, moral and emotional wellbeing of our children. May G-d bless us all with much Nachas.

SHABBAT SHALOM

Montreal candle lighting time: 8:23 / Shabbat ends: 9:36

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