This Shabbat we read from the last two portions in the book of B'Midbar (Numbers). Again, the double portion compensates for Sabbaths when a festival pre-empted the regular Torah portion. During the year we combine several portions to put the Torah reading back on course for the year.

From Matot:
Now that the Torah has established the course of Israel's daily physical, economic, legal and spiritual life, it is time to speak about settlement in the future Israel.

The tribes of Gad and Reuven, seeing that the land east of the Jordan was suitable for their cattle, requested permission to settle there and not in the Land of Israel proper. The tribes pledged to assist in the conquest of the new Israel, but not claim territory there. They would be satisfied with the land we now call Jordan. Moses was concerned that these two tribes would be disloyal to both their compatriots and to their God. Only after Gad and Reuven convinced Moses that their Intentions are noble, would they receive permission to settle outside the future Israel (along with part of the tribe of Manasseh).

From the outset, b'nai yisrael were taught to be one community. Each tribe might exhibit a different character, but when It came to defending their nation, all tribes must stand together. From later history, we know that Israel eventually splits into the two kingdoms of Judah and Israel, denying themselves one, unified nation. In our own American history, we appreciate the consequences of a nation split in half; the Civil War being the primary illustration. Perhaps the Torah anticipated a future world in which nations split in two and so many millions would sacrifice their lives in the process. Demanding the loyalty of Gad and Reuven was not only a declaration about Israel's purpose, but a statement about the dangers of civil war and internal dissent.

Explanation of Mas’ei
The Torah portion of Mas’ei is the last portion in the Book of B'midbar (Numbers). B’nai yisrael are now beginning to see the Canaan light at the end of their long desert tunnel. The portion includes a review of israel’s lengthy journey from Egypt to the present.

Why is there a need for such a review? Think about our own families: How often do we discuss our origins, our peregrinations, our struggles to achieve freedom? How often do we share family histories with our children so that they appreciate the links between past and present?

Knowing that we are part of a continuum enhances our personal understanding of the past and better enables us to embrace our family's history. Likewise, the Torah reading today recalls the long journey of Israel: From Egypt to the Jordan River. Do not just regard this section of the Torah as a mere list; try to imagine (as the Etz Hayyim Humash suggests) that for each place along the journey there are stories, adventures, and memories, all of which are important to recall and to share with the next generation.

Haftorah Reading: Jeremiah 2:4-28, 3:4

Jeremiah is critical of Israel for abandoning the lofty ethical principles which characterize the Jewish people. He speaks candidly, urging the nation to rediscover its moral compass and to restore justice and righteousness. We read the Haftorah on a Saturday between the 17th of Tammuz and the Ninth of Av, two fast days which recall Israel's exiles at the hands of Babylonia and Rome.