Mattot-Masei- We Are ONE!

In the double parshiyot of Mattot-Masei, the Israelites stand on the verge of the land of Israel.  It is within sight, and the end of their wandering is so close, they can taste the milk and honey on the air. Still, at the end of Mattot, the children of Reuven, of Gad, and part of the tribe of Menasseh choose the land on which they stood, forfeiting their portion to the western side of the Yarden. When at first, they ask for this land, citing its appropriateness for their herds of cattle, they are despised for their choice. Moshe declares, “Hinei kamtem tachat avoteichem tarboot anashim chata’im lispot od al charon af A-donai el Yisrael!” “Behold, you have risen up in your fathers’ place, a brood of sinful men, to again cause God’s extreme anger towards Israel!” However, they have not chosen to abandon God nor their brethren. Amongst themselves, they believe that this land, on the eastern side is to be their inheritance. They assure Moshe that, as soon as they have provided proper fortified cities for their families and pens for their flocks, they will not only march into battle with the rest of the Israelite tribes, but march at the head.

Until this point the children of Israel have functioned very much as separate tribes.  Even after entering the land, this tribal identification, for the purpose of inheritance and marriage, remains as a means of identification. However, in Mattot-Masei we see the effect of the years of wandering. Throughout those years in the wilderness the individual tribal identities begin to wane and a people is created. We left Egypt, although bonded by blood and common purpose, as separate tribes with differing personalities, but through the shared experience became a united people.

This attitude has been carried throughout history, even as Jews have scattered to every corner of the globe. Wherever Jews are, other Jews are welcomed. It is this bond that keeps Reuven, Gad, and Menasseh connected to liberating the land even while remaining on the eastern bank. It is this bond that has kept Jews around the world connected to each other and to Israel throughout history. As a people we have wailed for the loss of Israel on Tisha B’Av.  As a people we have ensured the birth and survival of the modern state, and as a people we have protected, defended, cared for, and supported each other around the world.  It is what has ensured Jewish survival, and it is what makes us unique among the nations.