Matot-Masei
Numbers 30:2–36:13 

By Jen Smith, Guest Torah Blogger

This week, we delve into the profound depths of the double Torah portion Matot-Masei, which concludes the Book of Numbers. These parashot are rich in themes that encompass the power of speech, the journey towards spiritual maturation, the balance between justice and mercy, and the preparation for entering the Promised Land. 

Matot opens with intricate laws regarding vows and oaths, underscoring the profound weight of our words. The Torah’s meticulous attention to these laws elevates speech to a divine plane, reminding us that our words have the power to create, destroy, and transform the world around us. The Torah commands us to be mindful of our sacred gift of speech and the moral imperative to fulfill our commitments. In fact, the emphasis on the creative power of speech (and thus the promises we make to others) serves as a cornerstone for creating a community committed to a culture of trust, reliability and accountability. 

Masei takes us on a reflective journey, chronicling the 42 stages of the Israelites’ travels from Egypt to the borders of Canaan. This enumeration is not a mere historical record but a spiritual odyssey, each station marking a phase in the collective growth and transformation of the Israelite nation. The journey from slavery to freedom, from chaos to covenantal community, is emblematic of our personal spiritual journeys. We each have our own Egypt to transcend, deserts and despair to navigate, and ultimately, our own Promised Land to strive towards. These stages invite us to contemplate our progress and setbacks, and to ultimately discover the meaning in the journey itself, not just the destination. 

One of the profound themes in Masei is the establishment of cities of refuge (Arei Miklat). These cities were built as sanctuaries for people who had committed involuntary manslaughter. This might seem like a detail in ancient infrastructure, but this concept embodies a nuanced approach to justice that balances our human need for retribution with compassion. These ancient “sanctuary cities” illustrate the Torah’s recognition of human fallibility and the necessity for grace and rehabilitation as a means of growing and moving forward. This teaches us that while justice is essential, it must be maintained within a framework of mercy and understanding. This principle challenges us to cultivate our own personal ethics and support a justice system that is fair, impartial, and consistent, but also flexible and compassionate. 

As the Israelites stand poised to enter the Promised Land, we witness Moses’ exemplary leadership. Moses, who now knows he will never enter Canaan, nonetheless devotes himself to preparing the people for their destiny. His selfless dedication underscores a leadership model rooted in sacrifice and service, and Moses’ legacy is a testament to the enduring power of visionary leadership that nurtures the wellbeing of the community over personal aspirations. 

With the Exodus from Egypt chronologically behind us and the Promised Land just ahead, these portions push us toward the difficult questions that may have taken a back seat during the existential angst of surviving life in the wilderness: What promises and vows have we made, and how well did we honor these commitments? Are there pivotal stages of our own journeys, and how do we identify them at the right time? How do we embody a balance of justice and mercy in our interactions with others? And as we stand on the threshold of new beginnings, how can we ensure that we are ready to hold fast to our values and move forward with purpose and hope? 

As summer’s end draws closer, may we be inspired by the journeys of our ancestors, enter into and honor our commitments with sincerity, and strive towards our own Promised Land with unwavering faith and courage.  

Shabbat Shalom!