Matot 5774-2014
“Hakarat HaTov: Expressing Appreciation”
It is important to express gratitude for all the myriad kindnesses that are bestowed upon us. It is a lesson that Moses apparently learned well.
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Matot-Masei 5773-2013
“Pinchas Avenges the Midianites”
Why is the zealous Pinchas chosen to lead the people of Israel into battle against the Midianites?
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Matot-Masei 5772-2012
“Words that Hurt, Words that Heal”
In parashat Matot, we are immediately confronted with the exceptional power of words.
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Matot 5771-2011
“Leadership and its Moral Responsibilities”
Parashat Matot underscores the complexity of Jewish leadership. It is from the episode in this parasha that our rabbis derive the important principle that leaders are to be held responsible for the wrongdoings of the people, for they have the power and authority to protest.
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Masei 5768-2008
"Optimism: The Call of the Hour"
From slight nuances in the textual structure, we learn that the priorities of the people were different from the priorities of Moses. Our rabbis teach that Moses possessed a sense of optimism that was lacking in the people of Israel.
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Matot 5768-2008
"Striving for Refined Speech"
In this week's parasha, parashat Matot, we learn of the injunction against profane speech. It is from here that we learn not only to avoid negative speech, but to always strive to make our speech as refined as possible.
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Matot 5765-2005
"Love of G-d Trumps Lust for Life"
In parashat Matot, Moses is told to lead the people in battle to avenge the Midianites and afterwards he will be gathered unto his people. Moses not only does not hesitate, he responds with alacrity and joy, even though he knows that the fulfillment of this command will hasten his death. This diminutive verse reveals much about our leader, our master, Moses.
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