- Clergy
- Shabbat
We come to the end of the book of Numbers this week with the double portion of Matot-Massei. The Israelites wrap up a challenging chapter of wandering through the desert, and they have started looking ahead to life in the Promised Land. The closing of this book offers an important message for the Israelites and us today.
The parashah details the final two topics of the book: cities of refuge for those accused of manslaughter, and closure to the story of the daughters of Zelophechad. These topics are, in fact, completely different but point toward the same message: what you do matters. Cities of refuge were established for people to flee to and live in after accidentally causing the death of another, thus holding them accountable for their actions without overdoing their punishment. The daughters of Zelophechad had successfully petitioned Moses to change the inheritance laws to include them and their descendants, as their father had no sons and they did not want to lose the family plot in the land of Israel. These women are an example of constructive pushback that creates a better world. Both of these examples appear earlier in Numbers but are covered once more at the close.
For better or worse, the parshah tells us, what we do matters. The consequences of our actions, whether positive or negative, show that we are seen and do well or can do better. When we mess up and make mistakes, being held accountable shows us that we have an impact on others and can do better when we fall short. Accountability helps us grow to a higher capacity. And when we constructively challenge and add to the vision of the Jewish future, we buy into the hope for that future.
The Torah portion invites us to see the impact of our own actions. How do we feel that we each matter? Do we experience the consequences, for better or worse, that show us our impact and our capacity? How do we show others that they matter? Do we support and offer feedback constructively to those we care about? Do we challenge each other to be accountable and to grow?
On this Shabbat, may we take the opportunity to help others feel seen and consequential, and may we reflect on our own inherent value and place in our world.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Hannah Elkin