Parashiot Matot-Masei and the Three Weeks The Journeys of Life

Dedicated le’ilui nishmat R’ Shloime ben R’ Yitzchak and Flora bas Moshe

As we come to the close of Sefer Bamidbar with Parshiyot Matot and Masei, I wanted to share some nourishing thoughts from Yerushalayim, despite the jet lag and the adjustment of returning from New York. May these words bring meaning and inspiration as we approach Shabbat and Rosh Chodesh Av.

The Power of a Single Word

One of the central themes in Parshat Matot is the power of speech. As Chazal teach us, “HaChaim v’HaMavet b’yad haLashon”—life and death are in the power of the tongue. A single word can uplift a person from despair or, G-d forbid, destroy someone’s spirit. We must not underestimate the weight that our words carry.

Moshe Rabbeinu begins Parshat Matot by instructing the leaders of the tribes about the seriousness of nedarim, vows. These are personal commitments one makes beyond communal obligations. A person might make a vow out of gratitude—perhaps after experiencing a miracle or family simcha. But if these vows are not fulfilled, it can become a serious matter.

The Torah demands accountability. Moshe gathers the tribal heads and makes them responsible to ensure each person keeps their promises. This teaches us that words must be spoken with sincerity, integrity, and the intent to fulfill them. As the Ibn Ezra explains, speech is a divine gift that elevates mankind above the animal kingdom. To use that gift carelessly is to misuse something holy.

From Words to Vision: A Journey Through the Haftarot

If we examine the Haftarot during the Three Weeks, we see a fascinating pattern. The first begins with Divrei Yirmiyahu—“The words of Yirmiyahu.” The second with Shimu—“Listen.” The third, read this coming week, begins Chazon Yeshayahu—“The vision of Yeshayahu.”

There’s a sequence here: first comes speaking, then listening, and then vision. In order to see clearly and understand our mission in life, we must learn to speak thoughtfully and listen deeply. Only then can we attain true chazon, vision.

Setting Priorities: Lessons from the Tribes of Reuven and Gad

In Matot, we also find the story of the tribes of Reuven, Gad, and half of Menashe requesting to settle on the eastern side of the Jordan. They argue that the land is ideal for their cattle. At first glance, this may seem reasonable, but Moshe reacts strongly. He senses echoes of the Sin of the Spies—a reluctance to enter Eretz Yisrael.

They tell Moshe: “We will build pens for our livestock and cities for our children.” But Moshe corrects them: “Build cities for your children first, and then pens for your animals.” In other words, get your priorities straight. Your children’s education, values, and future must come before material gain.

Chazal note that the tribes who chose to live me’ever laYarden (outside Eretz Yisrael) were the first to go into exile—and never returned. When material wealth becomes more important than spiritual legacy, the results are tragic.

This is a powerful message for our time. What are our values? What is our spiritual inheritance to our children?

The Journeys of Life: 42 Masa’ot

Parshat Masei lists all 42 journeys the Jewish people took through the wilderness. Why recall every stop again? The Ramban explains that this list reveals the incredible chesed of Hashem. Though the desert was inhospitable, Hashem provided food, water, protection, and miracles. The manna, the Be’er Miriam, and the ananei kavod—these were not natural occurrences but divine care.

Life, too, is filled with journeys. There are high points and low ones, triumphs and mistakes. But like Bnei Yisrael in the desert, we must always know our destination—our spiritual goals. And when we stumble, Hashem provides an Ir Miklat, a place of refuge and renewal.

The Torah’s concept of arei miklat—cities of refuge—is not just legal. It is deeply symbolic. A person who unintentionally harmed another is not beyond redemption. They are given a space to reflect, reset, and return.

Interestingly, there are six cities of refuge and 42 additional towns connected to the Leviim. Chazal compare these to the six words of Shema Yisrael and the 42 words in the first paragraph of Shema. If you seek refuge and strength, return to these words. They anchor us in faith and remind us of our true path.

The Legacy of Aharon HaKohen

The Torah tells us that Aharon passed away on the first day of Av. This Shabbat, as we enter Rosh Chodesh Av, we remember Aharon’s legacy: Ohev shalom v’rodef shalom—a lover and pursuer of peace. He loved every Jew and brought people closer to Torah with gentleness and warmth.

If we want to rebuild the Beit HaMikdash, we must embrace Aharon’s middot. The destruction came from sinat chinam. The rebuilding must come through ahavat chinam—unconditional love.

A Story of Teshuvah and Hashgacha

I’d like to conclude with a powerful true story:

A young Israeli man, after completing his army service, traveled to Thailand and later Australia. To support himself, he became a truck driver for a Jewish-owned company. Over time, he began to secretly take small items—shirts, merchandise—thinking it wouldn't be missed.

Years later, he returned to Israel, became a baal teshuvah, and was overcome with guilt. He tried contacting the company to repay the damages, but it had shut down. He begged Hashem for guidance.

That night, heartbroken, he davened Maariv, poured out his heart, and sat alone on a bench in Yerushalayim. Suddenly, an elderly man approached him. It was his former employer from Australia, in Israel for just 48 hours to visit the Kotel. The young man confessed and asked forgiveness. The older man, moved and generous, replied, “I forgive you completely.” Three times he said mochel lach. The young man brought him to the Kotel, and the next day he returned to Australia.

This is hashgacha pratit—divine supervision. When a person truly wants to do what’s right, Hashem brings him to the place he needs to be.

In Conclusion: Let This Month Be a Turning Point

As we say this Shabbat, Chazak Chazak v’Nitchazek—may we be strong and strengthen one another.

May this month of Av be transformed from mourning to joy, from pain to redemption. May we internalize the messages of Matot-Masei—guarding our speech, setting spiritual priorities, cherishing our journeys, and never giving up on teshuvah or unity.

Let us be inspired by Aharon, by Moshe’s guidance, by the journeys of our ancestors, and may we soon merit the return of the Shechinah to Zion.

Good Shabbos, Chodesh Tov, and all my love from Yerushalayim.