1. Introduction: Double Parsha and Contemporary Relevance
Today’s class covers a double parsha: Matos—Tribes and Masei—Journeys, the final two portions of Sefer Bamidbar. As is customary with a double portion, the first three aliyos are always from the first parsha, so our focus today is on Matos. The themes of this parsha are especially relevant to current events and to our lives as Jews who care deeply about Israel, whether we live there or in the diaspora. Our hearts and minds are always with Israel, and we do what we can from wherever we are.2. The Divide Within Israel: Army Service and Community Tensions
Within Israel, there is unfortunately a significant divide between the religious (Haredi) and non-religious communities. One of the most contentious issues has been army service: while all Israelis are required to serve, many Haredi men have been exempted since the founding of the state due to agreements with David Ben-Gurion that allowed yeshiva students to avoid military service. Similarly, religious girls can opt for sheirut leumi—national service—instead of joining the army. These arrangements have led to dissent and sometimes misinformation, pitting Jew against Jew. Interestingly, a similar dynamic appears in this week’s parsha, offering us lessons about unity and perception.3. The Request of Bnei Gad and Bnei Reuven: A Test of Unity
As Bnei Yisrael prepared to enter Eretz Yisrael after miraculous victories over Sihon and Og, two and a half tribes approached Moshe Rabbeinu with a request: they wished to settle on the east side of the Jordan River rather than enter Israel proper, citing their abundant cattle and need for grazing land. At first glance, their request seems audacious—after fighting together for victory, how could they expect to stay behind while others went to war? Initially, they did not offer to join in conquering Eretz Yisrael; only later did they agree to fight alongside their brethren.4. Hashem’s Role in Victory: Spiritual vs. Physical Contributions
Some commentators note that these tribes referenced “Asher hiko Hashem—that which Hashem struck,” emphasizing that victory was miraculous rather than natural. Their perspective was that it is ultimately Hashem who wins wars, not people. This raises an important question: how do we secure Hashem’s help? Some argue that Torah study and mitzvah observance bring divine assistance just as much as physical action does. The Rebbe beautifully explains that both spiritual leaders (those who study Torah) and those engaged in worldly matters (working, supporting families, giving tzedakah) are necessary for Jewish life to flourish.5. Integration vs. Separation: Lessons from Leadership
The key is connection—leaders must engage with the people rather than remain isolated in their own spheres. When spiritual leaders insulate themselves completely from worldly matters or when communities create rigid separations (“us” vs “them”), it leads to division rather than harmony. The ideal is like an orchestra where every instrument contributes to a beautiful whole; if everyone plays separately, there is no music. This dynamic also played out among those who wished to remain on the east side of the Jordan River. Some felt that entering Eretz Yisrael would diminish their spiritual level compared to life in the desert under Moshe Rabbeinu’s direct guidance and miraculous sustenance (the manna, clouds of glory, well of Miriam). However, after Matan Torah (the giving of the Torah), our mission became transforming this world into a dwelling place for Hashem—something that cannot be accomplished through separation.6. Moshe Rabbeinu’s Response: Responsibility and Perception
Moshe Rabbeinu challenged Bnei Gad and Bnei Reuven on two fronts: First, he asked if it was fair for their brothers to go fight while they remained behind claiming spiritual merit (“Hashem will fight for us”). Second, he warned them about perception—even if their intentions were pure, others might see them as shirking responsibility out of fear or selfishness rather than devotion. Ultimately, when these tribes agreed not only to fight but even to lead in battle for Eretz Yisrael before returning home, it became clear they were not seeking separation but were committed members of Klal Yisrael.7. Consequences of Prioritizing Comfort Over Mission
Despite Moshe Rabbeinu’s eventual agreement under strict conditions, tradition teaches that these tribes’ eagerness for comfort had consequences: they were exiled before all others when calamity struck centuries later. Their desire for immediate material benefit over full participation in Eretz Yisrael was seen as a flaw—a lesson about prioritizing spiritual mission over personal comfort. This theme echoes through humorous anecdotes about Jews preferring comfort in exile over aliyah (immigration) despite knowing where true blessing lies—in Eretz Yisrael.8. Bridging Divides: Personal Application and National Unity
The story offers a powerful message for our own lives: we each have “two sides of the Jordan”—our mundane activities and our spiritual pursuits. Sometimes these feel disconnected or compartmentalized (“Jew at home but secular outside”). The lesson is to bridge these divides so that Jewish values permeate all aspects of life. On a communal level, especially during these Three Weeks leading up to Tisha B’Av (when we mourn internal strife), we must strive for unity across differences—religious or secular—recognizing that all Jews are one family responsible for each other’s welfare.9. Leadership Lessons from Moshe Rabbeinu and the Rebbe
A participant noted how Moshe Rabbeinu listened even when he disagreed with his people’s choices—allowing them leeway within boundaries rather than imposing his will absolutely—an important model for leadership and parenting alike. The discussion turned toward stories about the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s devotion—not only his love for Eretz Yisrael but his sense of mission wherever he was needed most—and his unparalleled humility before his father-in-law (the Frierdiker Rebbe). The Rebbe never saw himself as acting independently but always as an extension of his predecessor’s mission. The Rebbe also taught that helping others spiritually does not detract from one’s own growth—in fact, it brings greater blessing both materially and spiritually.10. Final Reflections: Avoiding Division and Embracing Our Mission
In conclusion, while there are many opinions regarding issues like army service or religious accommodation in Israel—and no easy answers—the parsha teaches us caution regarding separation within our people or rationalizing disengagement from collective responsibility by invoking spirituality alone. Our hope is that Hashem will show us miracles once again—bringing unity among Jews everywhere—and send Mashiach so that peace will reign without need for further struggle or division among our people.