This Week’s Torah Portion: Matot – Mas’ei – מַטּוֹת – מַסְעֵי (Numbers 30:2–36:13)
“These are the travels of the Children of Israel, who came out of the land of Egypt in groups, at the command of Moses and Aaron.” (Numbers 33:1).
In a section of the Torah that focuses heavily on conflict, survival, and law, the Torah interrupts itself by briefly recalling all the places the Israelites traveled on their journey. In doing so, the Torah reminds us just how important it is to interrupt our busy lives to take time and reflect on all the pivotal moments along our journeys. By looking back, we are also invited to look forward, empowering ourselves to reclaim and shape the narrative of our lives as they unfold.
Parsha Matot – Mas’ei – מַטּוֹת – מַסְעֵי Torah Summary:
Moses explains to the Israelites the laws concerning vows made by men and women. (30:2—17)
Israel wages war against the Midianites. (31:1—18)
The laws regarding the spoils of war are outlined. (31:19—54)
The tribes of Reuben and Gad are granted permission to stay on the east bank of the Jordan River. (32:1—42)
The itinerary of the Israelites through the wilderness from Egypt to Jordan is delineated. (33:1-49)
Moses tells Israel to remove the current inhabitants of the land that God will give them and to destroy their gods. (33:50-56)
The boundaries of the Land of Israel are defined, along with those of the Levitical cities and the cities of refuge. (34:1-35:15)
God makes a precise distinction between murder and manslaughter. (35:16-34)
The laws of inheritance as they apply to Israelite women are delineated. (36:1-13)
Matot – Mas’ei – מַטּוֹת – מַסְעֵי
