Masei: A Summary of the Parashah

The following article is reprinted with permission from Kolel: The Adult Centre for Liberal Jewish Learning.

 

In the final parashah of the book of Numbers, Masei, Israel stands on the banks of the Jordan River, ready to enter into the Promised Land.

 

First, the path of their journey is reviewed and then the laws pertaining to the division of the Land are given. The boundaries of the Land of Israel are described and instructions are given to establish cities for the Levites as well as Cities of Refuge (Arei Miklat).

 

The book of Numbers concludes with a review of prohibitions against intermarriage and an affirmation of the claim of the daughters of Zelophechad, whom we met in Parashat Pinchas.