Good Communication - Matot-Masei

Good Communication
Matot-Masei 

This week’s Torah portion will see us conclude the book of Numbers- Bamidbar. In the closing portions of Matot-Masei we read about a fascinating disagreement that threatens to splinter the Jewish community. 

The background to this disagreement is important. The tribes of Reuvain and Gad were blessed with much cattle. As a result, they needed fertile land for their animals to graze. The land of the East bank of the Jordan river was perfect for them. As the Jews were about to enter the land of Israel (west of the Jordan river), these two tribes requested that they be allowed to keep their current land outside of Israel (the East bank of the Jordan). Moshe reacts harshly, accusing them of abandoning the quest to enter Israel, and not wanting to fight alongside their brethren to conquer the Holy Land. 

But after a meeting of Moses and the parties involved, it is clear that intentions had been pure all along. The tribes of Reuvain and Gad would not only partake but would lead the Jews into battle and not return home until the entire land was conquered and apportioned (which took some 14 years). The ruffled feathers were soothed, misunderstanding were clarified, the anger subsided and everyone lived happily ever after. 

Moshe had been concerned about a repeat of the previous disasters, when the Jews did not listen to Hashem''s word. These tribes could have worded their request differently, allaying any fears. It really was a lack of proper communication. 

In today's age of social media, emails, texting and messaging, direct and open communication is needed more than ever. No keyboard or communication app can or ever will replace the human connection.

Pinchas - A Shining Light

 Pinchas
A Shining Light

What is the greatest Mitzvah (good deed) that one can do? Conversely, we may also ask what is the greatest Averia (sin) that one can do?

Our sages teach in the Talmud (Yoma 86a) that the greatest Mitzvah a person can do is to publicly sanctify G-d's name. This is called Kiddush Hashem Ba'rabim. The worse sin possible is when someone desecrates G-d's name in public. This is called Chilul Hashem Ba/rabim. 

The logic of what makes these acts so praiseworthy or despicable is, because it is not just about you as an individual human being, but being that this act is in the public arena - a place that garners much attention and public focus, the act becomes magnified to the public. It is for this reason that when something happens in a public setting, the responsibility we have as as Jews becomes not just to focus on a secluded act, but to realize that this act becomes a testament to all Jews. 

In our Torah portion, we read of the disturbing act of Pinchas. He witnessed a brazen and shameful act by Zimri, the prince of the tribe of Shimon,, and the Midianite princess Kozbi. The issue was, that not only was this a shameful and sinful act, all the more, it was done in a public setting, meant to flaunt and taunt Moshe and the laws of the Torah. Pinchas saw this public desecration of Hashem's name, and acted. Although the Torah does not generally condone violence or being a vigilante, in this case, Hashem rewards Pinchas with "Et Briti Shalom - my eternal covenant of peace".

It is rare that we find ourselves in a position to make a public Sanctification of Hashem's name (Kiddush Hashem). When do we have the microphone or the pulpit to broadcast to the world? But with advent of social media and news, sometimes, these unique opportunities may present themselves.

Since the horrific July 4th floods in the Hill Country, our small Chabad House has/had a unique and special privilege to be the face of the "Jewish response" to this terrible ordeal. When asked by people or reporters of why or what goal did we and do we have in assisting those affected, our answer is simple. Firstly, we have a sacred responsibility to help our fellow human beings in their time of misfortune and plight. We are all created in the image of G-d, and must help each other as human beings. Secondly, we have a special opportunity to create a Kiddush Hashem publicly. This knowledge, that what we do and how we react will create either a Kiddush Hashem or Chilul Hashem is something that must be given much thought and sincerity.

We have received so many beautiful and heartwarming messages thanking us and the Jewish community at large for our modest contributions in helping those that have lost everything. It is our greatest wish that this, perhaps in some small way, contributes to dispel some of the terrible antisemitism we see in the world. When we behave in a way that brings honor to Hashem's name, we essentially shine a bright and beautiful light on all of us.

May Hashem continue to help us, to shine a bright light on all of humanity and truly be Ohr L'goyim - a light onto the nations.