Parashat Matot-Masei

The sons of Reuben and Gad have promised Moses that they will help the other tribes settle the Promised Land before settling across the River Jordan.

Numbers 33:1-36:13

Numbers 30:2-32:42

The list of the Israelites' encampments during their journeys in the wilderness reminds us of the importance of preserving and retelling our own stories.

The Torah's establishment of Cities of Refuge introduces the idea that intention determines the meaning of an action.

The severity of the war against the Midianites should motivate us to examine our own behavior and root out our own forms of idolatry.

The laws of vows and the rabbinic cautions against making them teach the holiness and power of the spoken word.

The war against Midian teaches that when Israel does fight wars, they must fight with compassion and a minimum of casualties.

The Levites' city dwellings remind us of the importance of green, agricultural spaces for encountering God's creation.

The laws of the Cities of Refuge emphasize the sacredness and infinite value of every human life.