Dvar Torah 7/30/05 MATOT • approaching the end of Bamidbar (4th book) and the longest sustained narrative in the bible: beg. w. Shmot (Exodus Book 2) • Where were the Jewish people at the outset of Shmot • slaves unto Pharaoh, oppressed, lacking identity • then refugees, a ragtag people wandering in the desert malcontents, backsliders • An unlikely leader emerges Moshe who doesn't know what he' s supposed to do, and why he's supposed to do it • What ensues: an ODYSSEY (40 years) (cf books 3,4,5) • a LONG process of nation-building, identity-formation • a transformation • learn how to be a unified, cohesive people under God • cf 3 rd book, Vayikra ( Leviticus ): rules/ laws/ norms for holiness ( kohanim , sacrifices, rituals, worship), for proper conduct, for social organization), • and for spiritual elevation • leadership of Moshe rabeinu the agent of God • Thus equipped, the people continue their odyssey in Bamidbar and with today' s parasha , we reach the end of their journey which will involve a final battle, against Midian. • But first, we begin with Moses addressing his Executive Committee: rashei ha' matot (cf parasha title) – tribal headmen • re: vows ( neder/ nedarim ) • VERY serious business especially vis a vis God • NB: basis for perhaps THE key
prayer in our liturgy: • Here, though, the focus is on vows made by WOMEN • these are subject to male VETO (by father or husband) • make of this what you will it WAS a patriarchal society. . . • Next: Battle orders are given! Midian is the target ! • Arch-enemy, and recently involved in seducing our people through debauchery and idolatry • ie, a war of retribution a HOLY WAR NO PRISONERS are to be taken (Food for thought, given the world today!) • Brutal campaign graphically detailed: 12,000 troops (1000 from each tribe) • some are identified as “shock-fighters” (Etz Hayim); “armed men” (Hertz) halutzim a term later used to mean “pioneer” (then: commandos? Green berets?) • we're not used to the notion of am Yisroel as an efficient fighting force • CARNAGE: all the Midianite males are killed; their cities destroyed • then, many of the women and children CAPTIVES are put to death as well • God ish milhamah: his samurai aspect • Giving battle orders is to be Moses = final task, before his death • He gives the orders, but doesn = t take part in the fight. . . • THEN: an exhaustive account
of WHO GETS WHAT • Dawn of Jewish accounting, business savvy? • THEN: a discussion of inheritance rights, property rights • treated in last week' s parasha, Pinhas • ie, OWNERSHIP of land who = s to own what land across the Jordan (Jewish lawyers DO have a strong Biblical legacy!!) • CRUCIAL new stage in history of Jewish people - they be a SETTLED people, needing a far more sophisticated social organization, city planning, etc. • cf recent civilizational debate, which attributes KEY significance to clear property rights qua prerequisite for advanced civilization (cf DeSoto's book) • Fast forward: Next week = s parasha, Masei ( stages) begins with a REVIEW of the odyssey the itinerary of the journey, which began in Egypt all the stops along the way (a verbal travelogue) -- one of many LISTINGS in the Bible • Then the final book, # 5: Devarim (words, matters; here, reference to Moses' extended “discourses” to the people) • ie, Moses' valediction—his farewell address to his people • He gets an entire book of the Bible reserved for these words, which are meant to inspire and instruct the people as they embark on their settlement of the Promised Land across the river Jordan— and to pave the way for the new civilization that will take root there • Also, this will be a recapitulation of the prior Biblical teachings • In Conclusion: Today's parasha marks a key watershed • the END of the odyssey that commenced with M' tsiat Mitsraim , and required 40 years of zigging and zagging, plus 3 of the 5 books of the Bible • the erstwhile mass of slaves fleeing Pharaoh's army has ARRIVED literally and figuratively; they're a PEOPLE • They're ready to enter its OWN land • They have their OWN army a very effective fighting force • They have laws, statutes, rules, institutions LOTS of 'em • and most importantly Am Yisroel has a spiritual compass, thanks to the example of dedication and selflessness provided by Moses, the faithful servant of God • Ironically (or is it irony?), Moses will not join his people across the Jordan —but his LEGACY is timeless • It's the year 2005 – 5765 in the Jewish reckoning of things • M'dinat Yisroel-- the State of Israel-- is fifty-something • I'm older than the state of Israel • but ERETZ YISROEL, AM YISROEL these are much older; MUCH older • And today's parasha sets the stage for our people's entering this land and making it their own and OUR own ! And herewith a plug for next year's congregational trip
to Israel!! SHABBAT SHALOM |
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