This Shabbat we will finish reading the Book of Numbers with a double portion, Matot-Ma’asei. The Torah teaches us this week the importance of building a safe society for our children, and more broadly, of prioritizing people. The Israelites are approaching the end of their long journey to the Land of Israel. While standing on the shores of the Jordan River, members of the tribes of Reuben and Gad approach Moses and ask if they can stay on that side of the river rather than crossing over with the rest of the Israelite people. “Geedrot tzon nivneh limkinanu po, v’arim l’tapainu” — “We will build here sheepfolds for our flocks and towns for our children,”(Numbers 32:16) they say. Moses responds to the request with fury. “Are your brothers to go to war while you stay here? (32:6)”The midrash notes that these tribes mention building enclosures for their flocks first, and only secondarily, that they will build towns for their children. Moses does not let this slide. He teaches these tribes an important lesson about priorities, instructing them to “Build towns for your children and sheepfolds for your flocks” (32:24). Moses reverses the order here. First and foremost, build towns for your children. Take care of your young. Ensure their safety and well being. This is the basic job of a society. Only then can you pursue any other endeavors. According to the midrash, God says to them: “Seeing that you have shown greater love for your cattle than for human souls, by your life, there will be no blessing in [your land].” When a society prioritizes its children, schools are safe places for learning, no child goes to sleep hungry, and children of all races and neighborhoods have access to an excellent education. When we don’t make children our highest priority, the midrash teaches, there is no blessing in our land.

This Shabbat we will finish reading the Book of Numbers with a double portion, Matot-Ma’asei. The Torah teaches us this week the importance of building a safe society for our children, and more broadly, of prioritizing people. The Israelites are approaching the end of their long journey to the Land of Israel. While standing on the shores of the Jordan River, members of the tribes of Reuben and Gad approach Moses and ask if they can stay on that side of the river rather than crossing over with the rest of the Israelite people. “Geedrot tzon nivneh limkinanu po, v’arim l’tapainu” — “We will build here sheepfolds for our flocks and towns for our children,”(Numbers 32:16) they say. Moses responds to the request with fury. “Are your brothers to go to war while you stay here? (32:6)”The midrash notes that these tribes mention building enclosures for their flocks first, and only secondarily, that they will build towns for their children. Moses does not let this slide. He teaches these tribes an important lesson about priorities, instructing them to “Build towns for your children and sheepfolds for your flocks” (32:24). Moses reverses the order here. First and foremost, build towns for your children. Take care of your young. Ensure their safety and well being. This is the basic job of a society. Only then can you pursue any other endeavors. According to the midrash, God says to them: “Seeing that you have shown greater love for your cattle than for human souls, by your life, there will be no blessing in [your land].” When a society prioritizes its children, schools are safe places for learning, no child goes to sleep hungry, and children of all races and neighborhoods have access to an excellent education. When we don’t make children our highest priority, the midrash teaches, there is no blessing in our land.

July 7, 2021, 10:30 am
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