Putting Things in Writing Before Entering the Land of Israel Miri Westreich teaches literature, Tanach and midrash at Midreshet Lindenbaum-Lod Parshat Masei, which is the final portion of the Book of Bamidbar, marks the seamline between the desert and the entrance into the Land of Israel. It is a moment of transition which constitutes a …
Shabbat Shalom: Parshat Matot-Masei (Numbers 30:2- 36:13) By Rabbi Shlomo Riskin Efrat, Israel – “This is the matter that the LORD has commanded concerning the daughters of Tzelofhad, saying: Let them be married to whom they think best… Just as the LORD commanded Moses, so did the daughters of Zelophehad” (Numbers 36:6,10). What can we …
Shabbat Shalom: Matot-Masei (Numbers 30:2-36:13) By Rabbi Shlomo Riskin Efrat, Israel – What unites Jews throughout the world as one nation and one people? What is the most critical factor responsible for our amazing persistence as a unique historical entity, despite our having been scattered throughout the globe and subject to persecution and pogrom, despite …
This week’s parsha commentary has been sponsoredby the Charif family of Sydney, Australia in memory of Hymie Charif (Refael Chaim Yishayahu ben Yitzchak) whose 23rd Yartzheit is on 2 Av Shabbat Shalom: Matot-Masei (Numbers 30:2-36:13) By Rabbi Shlomo Riskin Efrat, Israel: “This is the thing [or word] which God has commanded.” (Numbers 30:2) How was …
Parshat Matot-Masei (Numbers 30:2-36:13) Rabbi David Stav As we conclude the Book of Numbers, we read for the first time of any part of our people expressing a desire to take leave of the other tribes. We have already read about how the nation sinned, complained, and disagreed with each other – but this is a …
Parshat Matot-Masei (Numbers 30:2–36:13) Rabbi Shlomo Riskin Efrat, Israel – This week’s double portion records how the Jews finally cross the Jordan River on their way to conquer the Promised Land. The tribes of Gad, Reuven and half the tribe of Menashe possess a great multitude of cattle, and “paradise” for cattle is good grazing …
Parshat Matot-Masei (Numbers 30:2 – 36:13) Rabbi David Stav The first part of this week’s Torah portion deals with vows. According to Torah law, if a man makes a vow, i.e. forbids himself from enjoying a particular object, or contributes that object as an endowment or charity, that man must keep his vow. If not, he will …