Matot
Tribes are like branches of the same tree. When they are together they are unbreakable.
To take an oath is no easy thing. To break one is harder yet. Midian is one if Israel’s mortal and moral enemies. Darkness is not negotiated with; it is only vanquished by light. Then, when one turns night into day, the results are bountiful and shared. Two and half tribes desire to settle in the lands east of the Jordan. Only when Moses sees that they will lead the vanguard in conquering the Land if Israel, is Moses satisfied that they do so not to separate from their brothers but rather to uplift them further.
Informed Debate
A Chassidic story of Rabbi Naftali of Ropshitz inspiring two argumentative combatants to criticise themselves instead of each other.
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The Eastern Colonists
Chassidic explanation of the difference between the Spies and later the Tribes of Reuben and Gad who requested land east of the Jordan re divine sparks.
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Wisdom and Wonder
The laws of “vows” grant the authority & ability to define with our words & actions the very nature of our environment to ordinary, mortal man.
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The Paradox of Pain
From Parshat Maasei & the period of the 3 Weeks we learn not to view difficulty as a wholly negative experience, but as the greatest facilitator of growth.
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The Hard Life
Both Mattot and Massei are parashiyot read during the Three Weeks – both are lessons on galut.
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Ricochet Dance
History is a dance. G-d & the “maiden of Israel” have been dancing these steps some 4000 years now, advancing & retreating, drawing apart & pulling together
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A Slumber and a Headache
Revisiting the 42-stationed journey in the desert from the Exodus of Egypt (that marked our birth as a nation) to our entry into the Land of Israel.
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42 Journeys Part 6
Whenever you feel disconnected or lost you are going through this journey. An aimless life is a desolate one. Nothing is being built; every effort ends up going nowhere.
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Enough Water for All
Perspective and insight by Rabbi Meir of Premishlan as to how G-d runs the world and our misguided perception as to how we think the world is run.
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