Numbers 33:1 - 36:13

Jeremiah 2:4 - 28; 3:4

In this week’s Torah portion, the tribes of Reuven and Gad promise to help out the other tribes while not living in the land of Israel. God tells Moses exactly where each tribe will live. God clarifies the laws of murder. The daughters of Zelophehad receive their inheritance.

FULL SUMMARY
HAFTARAH SUMMARY

Cities Or Sanctuaries

Cities of Refuge are symbols of God's unconditional love and constant presence among people.

More on this Torah Portion

The Spiritual Trauma of Taking a Life

How the kosher practice of waiting between meat and dairy reminds us of Moses' discomfort with violence.

Real Change in the Torah

The most effective and enduring changes create justice for all members of society.

The Importance Of Intention

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

Creating Sustainable Freedom

All people must know that they have value.

Lessons for Regional Planning

The biblical "migrash" principle provides a response to urban sprawl.

Journeying with the Divine

Every step of the Israelites' journey is framed in relation with God.

Refugee Awareness

Lessons from the biblical cities of refuge.

Valuing Journeys

A lesson from the Torah's treatment of the Israelites' travels.

Lost Stories

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

Remember When…

Masei: A resource for families.

Haftarah for Masei

A prophecy of destruction that is rife with metaphor.

Parashat Masei Quiz

Learn more about the weekly Torah portion.

Parashat Masei: Summary

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.

Green Spaces: A World Not Of Our Making

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

Protecting The Sacredness Of Life

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

The Limits Of Power And Conquest

The Book of Numbers, full of bloodshed and division, ends with a call for unity and a discussion of the sanctity of life.

The Family Album

The list of places through which the Israelites traveled in the wilderness teaches us to understand Judaism through our everyday experiences.