YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bamidbar
- Matot
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bamidbar
- Masei
The Torah discusses the sacred obligation to fulfill our vows and oaths; the war fought against Midian (wherein Bilam the Rasha is killed); the saga of Reuven, Gad and half the tribe of Menashe’s petition to Moshe to live in trans-Jordan; the delineation of the borders of Israel; and
the institution of the Cities of Refuge.
But there is another subject quietly tucked away into these 244 p’sukim, an item which I find to be most peculiar and most incongruous: the halachot of koshering utensils. After the battle with Midian, Israel takes possession of numerous pots, pans, etc. that must be "purged" of their non-kosher taste, and so we are instructed about the laws of hagala (immersion in boiling water); libun (passing the items through fire) and
dipping them in a mikva - all forms of ritual purification.
Granted, these laws are important, and they are followed to this very day. But why would they be stated davka HERE, rather than in sections of the Torah that deal with pure halacha, like Mishpatim, Kedoshim, or parshat Ki Tetze?
To answer, let me recount a seminal incident in my life.
The entire student body of our Yeshiva (Skokie) was told to gather in the auditorium for a special assembly. The dean of the Yeshiva, Dr. Yosef Babad, then addressed us. A prominent scholar from a rabbinic dynasty, I had never seen him so emotional as he spoke these words to us:
"Bochurim," he said, "each and every year when we come to the reading of Matot-Masei, I tremble. In my mind's eye, I see Moshe shaking his finger in rebuke at Reuven, Gad and Menashe, and his caustic words rattle my very soul:
‘Shall your brothers go out to battle & you will sit here?!’
And I know that he is speaking directly to me, asking me why I stay in Galut while others fight the battles of Hashem in our holy land. But no more. Although I have tarried far too long, and am no longer a youngster, I am now finally coming home, making Aliya, joining my brothers & sisters in Israel. And now, my neshama will be cleansed."
The laws of koshering, you see, are about more than dishes and silverware. They actually embody every subject in our sedra: They are about keeping our sacred vows; they are about fighting the most difficult of internal battles; they are about leaving Cities of Refuge for our true home; they are about crossing borders and going back to the place we belong. Mostly, they are about purging the imperfections within us,
purifying our souls and returning them to their pristine state.
Rabbi Stewart Weiss
Was ordained at the Hebrew Theological College in Skokie, Illinois, and led congregations in Chicago and Dallas prior to making Aliyah in 1992. He directs the Jewish Outreach Center in Ra'anana, helping to facilitate the spiritual absorption of new olim.
Jewish Laws and Thoughts Shul “etiquette:” can we honor Hashem while respecting our fellow congregants?
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
Israel and the Nations A Few Minutes & Many Innovative Ideas on Antisemitism & What to do About It
As we approach the High Holidays, this short lecture (18 minutes) deals with the unfortunate situation of how Israel and the Jewish People stand against antisemitism, analyzing its cause according to Rav Kook, and how to deal with the issue pragmatically & via our prayers.
Ha'azinu PURSUIT is PERFECTION
p. Ha'azinu, Shabbat Shuva
Rav Kook deals with the question of the seemingly hopeless nature of Tshuva. For G-d Himself knows that He created us with free will, which inevitably means we will sometimes make mistakes and choose wrong. This can easily be frustrating, freezing us into inaction and ye'ush (loss of hope). If one sins even once, does he chalila have no choice but suicide?! Moreover, our Godly conscience demands justice, righteousness and perfection, but we all know this is impossible, so what's the solution? Rav Kook's innovative thinking, strongly based on chazal (our sages), offers an inciteful and important aspect to this topic, especially this time of year!
Sukkot Bug-Free Sukkah: Essential Halachic and Practical Schach Guide
How to inspect, clean, and store bamboo mats and palm branches to protect your mitzvah and holiday meals.
