Peace of Parsha-Matos Dr. Laura Danoff

In Parsha Matos we read of the famous request of the tribes of Reuven and Gad to not enter into the Promised Land with the rest of the brethren but settle in Gilad on the eastern side of the Jordan River. These two tribes wanted this specific land since it was ideal for grazing and they had a great multitude of cattle. Moshe at first objected to this because he assumed that Reuven and Gad would not help the others in conquering the land of Israel. Moshe questions them, “Will your brethren go to war across the Jordan while you remain untouched here?” (Bamidbar 32:6). This reminds us that we are all truly responsible for one another. Every Jew is the guarantor for his fellow Jew. How we act does not just affect ourselves but influences others too. The tribes of Reuven and Gad assured Moshe immediately by saying, “We will build sheepfolds for our cattle, and cities for our children here, but we ourselves will be armed to go before the Children of Israel until we have brought them to their place.” (Bamidbar 32:16) Moshe gives them permission and accepts their pledge, but is not totally happy with their response and order of priorities since their livestock was mentioned before their children. He therefore corrects them and says; “Build for yourselves cities for your small children and pens for your flocks” (32:24). Reuven and Gad were initially controlled by their material concerns. Providing for their children’s future must be paramount in their minds. Many unfortunately today put business and wealth first, and their families second. Reuven and Gad cared more about the building of homes for their animals and worldly possessions before that of their children.

What is most interesting is that part of the tribe of Menashe was also sent by Moshe to settle on the east side of the Jordan river even though they did not ask to settle outside of Israel. Why? The Netzi explains that it was Moshe’s idea that part of the tribe of Menashe should join Reuven and Gad. Menashe was sent to provide guidance since it was a tribe of Torah scholars and legislators. Also, the 5 daughters of Zelophchad were from the tribe of Menashe. They loved the land of Israel so much that they requested a part of their father’s inheritance. The tribe of Menashe would therefore help to encourage a proper attitude of utmost love and a strong bond towards the land of Israel. Another explanation is that the tribe of Menashe, who were descendents of Joseph, was known to have survived in a foreign environment maintaining torah values despite temptations from the existing culture.

So why was only a part of the tribe of Menashe sent to live with Reuven and Gad? Siftei Kohen explains this was done to preserve a sense of camaraderie and brotherhood to connect the 2 groups of Jews on both sides of the Jordan River. This way, the people of the tribe of Menashe over time would never feel disconnected to the Land of Israel.

Menashe teaches us many things. We sometimes have to sacrifice our own comfort level to help others. We must remember though to keep a balance between sacrificing for the growth of others while still elevating ourselves and growing closer to Hashem.

This D’var Torah is in honor of the birth of our 1^st grandchild Maya Rahel. May she be a  blessing to her family “ad meah v’esrim shanah”!

Shabbat Shalom!