Podcasts about Matot

The Gemara (Berachot 60b) teaches that before entering the restroom, one should make a declaration (beginning with the words "Hitkabedu Mechubadim") asking the angels that accompany him to wait outside, and to protect him, while he performs his bodily functions. As the angels do not enter the restroom, the individual respectfully addresses them before he enters, explaining that he needs to briefly leave them so he can tend to his bodily needs. Maran (Rav Yosef Karo, author of the Shulhan Aruch), in Bet Yosef (Orah Haim 3), cites Rav David Abudarham (Spain, 14 th century) as commenting that this prayer was instituted only for the exceptionally pious, who are indeed accompanied by angels wherever they go. For other people, making this declaration would be a display of arrogance. The Bet Yosef writes that it is thus improper to make this declaration nowadays, as nobody can honestly claim to have achieved such spiritual greatness that he is accompanied at all times by angels. Maran rules accordingly in the Shulhan Aruch. By contrast, the Hida (Rav Haim Yosef David Azulai, 1724-1806) cites the Masat Shimurim (Rav Natan Shapira of Jerusalem, 17 th century) as asserting that this Beracha should be recited even nowadays, as it helps block harmful spirits and improper thoughts, thereby assisting a person in maintaining his purity. Additionally, the Hida cites Maharam Papirash (Rav Meir Poppers, d. 1662) who claimed that the Arizal reinstated the recitation of this prayer before using the restroom. What's more, Rav Haim Palachi (Turkey, 1788–1868) notes in his work Ru'ah Haim that the angel who would learn with Maran instructed him to recite this declaration (Maggid Mesharim, Matot), even though Maran ruled in the Shulhan Aruch that it should not be said. The Kaf Ha'haim (Rav Yaakob Haim Sofer, Baghdad-Jerusalem, 1870-1939), after bringing these sources, concludes that a person who devotes himself exclusively to Torah study should make this declaration, but all others should not. He then advances a different approach, suggesting that since those who discouraged the recitation did so because it would be a display of arrogance, all people may recite this declaration when they are in the privacy of their homes, as there is then no concern of appearing arrogant. Rav Yaakov Emden (Germany, 1697-1776), cited by the Hida, claimed that although the Arizal instructed people to recite it, this was only when people would perform bodily functions outdoors in open fields, where evil spirits are found, and so even the Arizal would not encourage its recitation nowadays. And even the Arizal's closest disciple, Rav Haim Vital (1543-1620), writes (in his commentary to Tehillim) that the custom is not to recite this declaration. The Hida similarly observes that even Kabbalists do not make this declaration. Amidst his discussion of this topic, the Hida cites Rav Yehiel Kasteltz as challenging the Shulhan Aruch's ruling that this declaration should not be made. He notes the famous tradition that we are all accompanied by angels on Friday night as we return from the synagogue, and they bless us if they see that the home is properly prepared for Shabbat. It is for this reason that the "Shalom Alechem" hymn is sung in every Jewish home on Friday night to welcome the angels. Rav Yehiel objected to Maran's assumption that people nowadays are not worthy of the divine presence or of being accompanied by the angels. The Hida responds by sharply criticizing Rav Yehiel for dismissing Maran's comments, noting that Maran merely observed the widespread practice not to make this declaration, and offered his explanation. As for the angels that accompany us on Friday night, the Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909), in his Od Yosef Hai, explains that these angels come not for our honor, but for the honor of Shabbat – just as Eliyahu Ha'nabi attends every Berit Mila out of respect for this precious Misva, and not to give honor to the people. Hence, we are not generally accompanied by angels, but angels join us on Friday night in honor of the sacred day of Shabbat. Anyone who nowadays feels that he is worthy of being accompanied by angels is guilty of arrogance. Interestingly, the Ben Ish Hai further writes that on Yom Kippur, when our sins are forgiven and we conduct ourselves on a very high spiritual level, one may make this declaration before using the restroom, and this would not be a display of arrogance. The Yalkut Yosef observes that from Hacham Ovadia Yosef's comments in a responsum in his work Yabia Omer, it appears that he concurred with this view. In practice, however, Hacham Ovadia was never seen making this declaration, not even on Yom Kippur. Regardless, the widespread custom is not to make this declaration anytime.

We will learn today about the call to battle, and this isn't only physical but bears a deep spiritual significance in our lives as believers. We will also learn about those who didn't become full promised land people. Let's dive in! #torah #parsha #parashat #matot #bible #scripture #Jesus #Yeshua #faith #christian #messianic #jewish

Rabbi Amy Bernstein's weekly Torah study class via Zoom - Bamidbar/Numbers 32:1 and Yehoshua/Joshua 22:6 - July 10, 2026

Parsha ‘Matot’ (Numbers 30:2 through chapter 32) is one of those that Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa fellowship thinks, because of the “not-politically-correct” and thus too often utterly neglected chapter 30, deserves much more attention that it gets, particularly for reasons he tries to make clear. The Erev Shabbat reading is certainly an introduction: https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/SSM-7-10-26-Matot-teaching-podcast-xxx.mp3 The Sabbath day midrash begins by making clear, at least in part, why Mark is not a fan of combining Numbers chapter 30 into a double-portion. BUT, at least there are certainly consistent threads that link them, and demonstrate WHY honoring our word is so vital. The ‘rest of the story’ is why civilization collapses without it. And we’re there. And Numbers chapter 30 is at the heart of most of it. “Matot [and Masei]: Real MEN MUST ALWAYS Be Bound By their Word” https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/WT-CooH-7-11-26-Matot-Only-Real-MEN-can-be-BOUND-by-their-Word-podcast-xxx.mp3 Service information: Shabbat Shalom Mesa fellowship worship services and teachings are broadcast live every Sabbath, via Paltalk. (www.paltalk.com has both the link, and the app.) The “room name” is “Walking Torah with Shabbat Shalom Mesa,” and can be found via the paltalk search, then bookmarked. Erev Shabbat services begin at 7:00 PM Mountain Time Friday evenings (9 PM Eastern, 8 PM Central) Live Sabbath teachings begin shortly after 11 AM Mountain time on Sabbath day (Saturday). email: mark@markniwot.com The combined two-part reading and Sabbath midrash:

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Imperfect aliyot and on the word eretz. Follow along in Bemidbar 31:41, 33:9, 34:2, 35:10, 34:4. Provide your feedback or join the WhatsApp group by sending an email to torahreadingpodcast@gmail.com.  

Podcast Jajam Shlomo (Sally) Zaed Perashat Matot, cuida tu boca, habla positivo Conferencia

Dedicado para:Refuah Shelema de Moshe Ben Reina

De lezingen van de parshot Matot-Mas'ee zijn Numeri 30:1 – 36:13 en Jeremia 1:1-23, 2:4-28, 3:4. We focussen in de onderwijzing in het bijzonder op de vijfde aliyot van deze beide parshot. Dit zijn de gedeeltes van Numeri 31:42-54 en Numeri 35:1-8. We lezen daarin over de verdeling van de buit, die op de Midianieten behaald werd. Ook lezen we over een groot wonder: er was geen enkele Israëliet omgekomen in de oorlog tegen Midian. Welke geestelijke lessen zitten hierin verborgen? En wat hebben de getallen 42 en 48 hiermee te maken? In het tweede gedeelte lezen we over de Levitische priestersteden met hun weidegronden. We vragen ons af wat dit te maken heeft met dé Priesterstad, het hemelse Jeruzalem. En we ontdekken dat wij deze hemelse stad met elkaar mogen opmeten…!Support the show

Cuando hay respeto de la juventud a la ancianidad, a la experiencia, la sociedad transita en el camino del éxito.

When considering if a breakaway is appropriate or not, one could look at the story of b'nei Reuven v'Gad for a historical lesson.

Podcast Jajam Shlomo (Sally) Zaed Qué nos enseña la Perashá Matot? Acércate al Bet Hakneset y a tu comunidad! Conferencia

Rabbi Akiba's Tears Parashat Matot begins with a number of laws regarding vows, including the authority given to a husband to annul certain vows taken by his wife. The Torah states that in such a case, when a wife takes a vow and the husband declares its annulment, "V'Hashem Yislah Lah" – G-d will forgive the woman (30:13). The Sages understood this verse as referring to a situation where the wife did not know that her husband annulled the vow, and nevertheless proceeded to violate it. For example, the wife declared herself a Nezira, committing to abstain from wine, and she later decided to drink wine despite her vow. As it turned out, she committed no transgression by drinking wine, because her husband annulled her vow of Nezirut. Nevertheless, she requires G-d's forgiveness since she intended to violate the vow. The Gemara (Kiddushin 81b) tells that Rabbi Akiba would weep each time he read this verse. He was overcome by emotion upon seeing that even a person who did not commit a sin requires atonement if he intended to commit a sin. If even such an act – which was actually permissible – requires atonement, then how much more so is a person held accountable when he commits an act that is truly forbidden. A deep explanation for Rabbi Akiva's tears emerges from the teachings of Rav Shimshon of Ostropoli (1600-1648). Ashkenazic communities have the custom of including in the Kinnot on Tisha B'Ab a lament for the Asara Harugeh Malchut – the ten great sages who were murdered by the Romans. The Roman emperor learned the law in the Torah that kidnapping a person and then selling him as a slave is a capital offense, punishable by death. He thus decreed that ten great sages must be murdered to atone for the sin of Mechirat Yosef – when Yosef's brothers committed this exact crime, selling their brother as a slave. Since this crime was committed by Yosef's ten brothers, ten sages were brutally murdered to atone for this misdeed. In truth, only nine of Yosef's brothers participated in his sale as a slave. Binyamin, the youngest, was home and thus not present at the time of the sale, and Reuben tried to rescue Yosef. Thus, this crime was committed by only nine brothers. Rav Shimshon of Ostropoli cites the Arizal as teaching that the Almighty Himself, as it were, was the tenth participant. He decreed that this should happen, and He thus "completed the Minyan," so-to-speak, joining Yosef's brothers in selling him as a slave to Egypt. Now the Kabbalists have identified the specific correspondence between the Asara Harugeh Malchut and the brothers who sold Yosef – meaning, which of the ten great sages corresponds to which of Yosef's brothers. For example, one of these sages was Rabbi Huspit Ha'meturgeman – a great Rabbi who was blessed with a loud, clear voice, and thus worked as the "broadcaster" who would help the Rabbis deliver their lectures. He corresponds to Naftali, who is described as "Ha'noten Imreh Shafer" (49:21) – the speaker of beautiful words. Rav Shimshon of Ostropoli taught that Rabbi Akiba, who was among the ten sages murdered by the Romans, corresponded to G-d, the tenth "participant" in Mechirat Yosef. This is because Rabbi Akiba taught that the Torah's command to fear Hashem extends also to Torah scholars – meaning, just as one is obligated to fear Hashem, so must one show reverence to the sages. As Rabbi Akiba equated, in a sense, Torah scholars with the Almighty, he was chosen to "represent" G-d as one of the Asara Harugeh Malchut. We can now return to Rabbi Akiba's weeping upon reading the verse in Parashat Matot, "V'Hashem Yislah Lah." Rabbi Akiba knew that he represented G-d as the tenth participant in Mechirat Yosef. However, he felt comforted by Yosef's own words many years later, when he explained to his brothers that he felt no resentment toward them for what they did: "Ve'atam Hashabtem Alai Ra'a, Elokim Hashabah Le'Toba" – "You plotted evil against me, but G-d plotted for the good" (50:20). Although the brothers intended to inflict harm, their actions actually brought great blessing and good fortune, as Yosef ended up saving Egypt and the entire ancient world by predicting the seven years of famine and ordering the storage of grain during the preceding years of surplus. Rabbi Akiba thus figured that he – as a representative of Yosef's brothers – would not be held accountable for the sin of Mechirat Yosef, because it in truth turned out to be a blessing, and not a sin. However, when Rabbi Akiva read the verse "V'Hashem Yislah Lah," he wept. He then realized that even if a person's actions ended up being permissible, nevertheless, he requires atonement if he had intended to act wrongly. Rabbi Akiba thus understood that the time would come when an accounting would be made for the sin of Mechirat Yosef. As we approach the observance of Tisha B'Ab, let us all work together to rectify the sin of Mechirat Yosef by striving to be kinder, more compassionate and more forgiving. If Yosef's brothers brought calamity upon future generations through their efforts to harm Yosef, let us correct this mistake by redoubling our efforts to help and bring joy to all our brothers and sisters, even those with whom we have disagreements, and we will then be worthy of our final redemption, Amen.

Speaking from Deal, New Jersey, Rabbi Dweck reflects on Parashot Matot–Mas'ei as the close of Sefer Bemidbar and uses the daughters of Tzelofchad story to explore the Torah's nuanced approach to tribal identity. Rabbi Dweck has held rabbinic leadership roles in the US and the UK. He is the Rosh Bet Midrash of TheHabura.com and the Rabbi Levy Chair of Jewish Wisdom at the London School of Jewish Studies.For more, check out rabbijosephdweck.com.This is generously sponsored by David Tawil for the good health and berachot for the Tawil family and Le'iluy Nishmat Jeremy Smouha - Yirmiyahu de Yehezkel Smouha HaLevi.

BROKEN PROMISES That Made Painful History MATOT | STUMP THE RABBI (276)https://youtu.be/ykee9qWP_KMAfter Iran broke their peaceful promise again, the US replied with a vengeance. If we pay close attention, we see that the greatest pains in history and people's lives came as a result of broken promises.Parashat Matot first tells us about the important of keeping your word, before it actually shows us the outcome the broken words will have on the entire history of the world. Tune in and see why the word Emet is some impactful on everyone's lives. This will be followed by questions and answers from the live online audience. Enjoy, Share, Learn and Be Holy.#ParashatMatot #KeepingYourWord #Emet #TruthMatters #BrokenPromises #TorahLesson #RabbiYaronReuven #StumpTheRabbi #JewishWisdom #HaShem #BeHoly #QandA #Iran #USResponse #Torah #Jewish #Jews #God #inspiring #motivation #OrthodoxJudaism #Judaism

Paroles et Nedarim (Matot) by Rav David Touitou

BROKEN PROMISES That Made Painful History MATOT | STUMP THE RABBI (276)https://youtu.be/ykee9qWP_KMAfter Iran broke their peaceful promise again, the US replied with a vengeance. If we pay close attention, we see that the greatest pains in history and people's lives came as a result of broken promises.Parashat Matot first tells us about the important of keeping your word, before it actually shows us the outcome the broken words will have on the entire history of the world. Tune in and see why the word Emet is some impactful on everyone's lives. This will be followed by questions and answers from the live online audience. Enjoy, Share, Learn and Be Holy.#ParashatMatot #KeepingYourWord #Emet #TruthMatters #BrokenPromises #TorahLesson #RabbiYaronReuven #StumpTheRabbi #JewishWisdom #HaShem #BeHoly #QandA #Iran #USResponse #Torah #Jewish #Jews #God #inspiring #motivation #OrthodoxJudaism #Judaism

Matot | Moabite Daughters, a Midianite Princess and Pinchas, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom Balak-Pinchas-Matot. Why is the "war of vengeance" carried out against Midian, if the instigators and participants in the BaalPeor episode were Moabites?  The story of Pinchas's zealotry is famous, yet his action along with the subsequent Divine command to launch a war of נקמה against Midian is surprising, considering that Ba'al Pe'or was (evidently) one of the local Moabite gods and that the seduction began with the daughters of Moab - and that only one Midianite girl was explicitly involved. A discussion of the "sitz im leben", with an eye towards geographic and cultural distinctions between these two nations helps to decipher some of the more cryptic components of this story. This shiur was given in memory of my father, הרב אשר אהרן בן אברהם בנימין and in memory of הרב משה רפאל ב"ר אברהם יצחק הכהן whose yahrzeits coincide on 21 Tamuz. יהי זכרם ברוך Source sheet >>

Parashat Matot - The Balancing Act by Rabbi Avi Harari

This week we read Parshat Mas'ei & Matot, Parashat Matot is giving us the ability to learn how to remove judgment and decrees. Parashat Mas'ei is giving us tremendous powers of correction - overcoming the Dinim (Judgments) and ascending to higher degrees of life. In Parashat Mas'ei we learn the secret of Shem ben Mem Beit (The Name of 42 Letters) - the "Ana BeKo'ah" prayer, as an important tool for correction and transcendence. The Ana BeKho'ah - The Name of 42 Letters https://livekabbalah.org/the-prayer-meditation-ana-bekhoah-the-name-of-42-letters For a short reading about this Parashah: https://livekabbalah.org/matot Join our course program: https://livekabbalah.org/live-kabbalah-courses Join our Zoom Program: https://livekabbalah.org/weekly-zohar-study-live Support our efforts to provide you with more materials, donate to Live Kabbalah: https://livekabbalah.org/donations

De quoi parle la Haftara de Matot ? En quoi est-elle liée à la période des trois semaines qui vont du 17 Tamouz au 9 Av ? Quel est le but de ces semaines ? Comment comprendre que pour construire, il faut d'abord détruire ? Qui est Yirmiyahou ? Voulait-il être prophète ? Pourquoi a-t-il, souvent, été presque mis à mort ? Que s'est-il passé finalement ? Quel lien y a-t-il entre "amandier" et "rapidité" ? Comment comprendre la prophétie de Yirmiyahou qui commence par parler d'une branche d'amandier ?

Today on Table Talk with BBYOInsider we are giving an in-depth look at this week's parsha—Parsha Matot—as part of the Simchat Torah Challenge.

Cours audio MP3 de 55 minutes donné par Rabbanite Léa BENNAÏM.

We continue in Parshat Matot as we learn about the war with Midyan the death of Bilaam and the splitting of the land for the Shevatim of Reuven and Gad.. Outside of Israel!

In this weeks Parshah we begin discussing there concept of Nedarim (making vows) and how to nullify if need be. Then the minyanim are taking to account for that they did to the yidden with a war. 

Latest episode of the podcast. Please consider sponsoring a class online in someones merit, memory or refuah shelemah. You can donate here in the app or send us an email at info@ejsny.org with the dedication you want to make. Thanks!

Matot: Succeeding Through Hard Work by Rabbi Avi Harari

Chabbat Matot - Niveau avancéSource: Likouté Si'hot volume 18 Si'ha 2 sur Matot Thèmes abordés :- Pourquoi les lois de l'immersion des ustensiles au Mikvé ne sont pas évoquées plus tôt ?- Est-il nécessaire de tremper au Mikvé la vaisselle ‘Hamets vendue au non-juif ?- Après le don de la Torah, les Juifs devaient-ils tremper leur vaisselle au Mikvé ?- « Rendre apte de l'interdit » : L'innovation Hala'hique de Rachi sur le MikvéSupport de cours : https://app.box.com/s/9b80opc2ei3p654o48oh3oz1kyoqmj2uHébergé par Ausha. Visitez ausha.co/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.

Entre as duas margens

Entre as duas margens

Definindo o alcance da morte

Podcast Jajam Shlomo (Sally) Zaed Perashat Matot Masé y Rosh Jodesh Ab Conferencia

This week's annual cycle Torah reading is parsha "Pinchas," Numbers 30:2 through chapter 32) and - in part at least - it wraps up one of the mysteries in the Torah, how can a people so blessed of YHVH fall so quickly into idolatry, and beset by 'plague?' But there is far more, and the issue of "vows" literally envelops the narrative. As it still does today. The Erev Shabbat reading: https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/SSM-7-25-25-Matot-teaching-podcast-xxx.mp3 The Sabbath Day midrash is at attempt to connect a collection of dots that range from broken vows and lying prophets to bioweaponry and ELE asteroid impacts. The prophet Bilaam really wanted to curse the mixed multitude of Israel, but was explicitly forbidden to do so, on pain of death - as he learned "the hard way." Only "the word that Elohim puts in my mouth, that I shall speak." And yet, like so many ancient popes and modern traitors in politics, he thought he was smarter than God Himself, and could find a "workaround." It cost him. Today we don't have a Moses to "hang 'em high," or a Pinchas to literally run them through, 'en flagrante delecto,' with a spear. Which only makes the potential consequences all the more deadly. And imminent. "Matot: From Vows and Oaths to Lying Prophets and then Treason - to Plagues and Planet X" https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/WT-CooH-7-26-25-Matot-Broken-Vows-Lying-Prophets-Treason-and-Planet-X-podcast-xxx.mp3 The combined two-part reading and Sabbath midrash:

Matot: Tourists or Residents? by Rabbi Avi Harari

La demi tribu de Menaché (Matot) by Rav David Touitou

In this vibrant episode of Parsha and Prose, Rabbi Gemara joins me from a ma'amud (bomb shelter) in Israel to explore the twin parshiot of Matot and Masei. Before delving into key themes—oaths, the 2½ tribes settling east of the Jordan, the 42 encampments of the Children of Israel, and the Levites' landless status—we discuss Rabbi Gemara's recent experiences in Israel. With infectious enthusiasm, he shares the dynamic energy he encountered in late-night restaurants and intimate shteibelech (small synagogues). Rabbi Gemara also reflects on the Israeli public's resilience amid the ongoing war in Gaza and tensions with Iran, highlighting their unwavering hope and determination to thrive. This episode captures the enduring strength of the Jewish people and the profound beauty of the Land of Israel. Am Yisrael Chai.

Sod de la Perasha: Matot - Masee

In this vibrant episode of Parsha and Prose, Rabbi Gemara joins me from a ma'amud (bomb shelter) in Israel to explore the twin parshiot of Matot and Masei. Before delving into key themes—oaths, the 2½ tribes settling east of the Jordan, the 42 encampments of the Children of Israel, and the Levites' landless status—we discuss Rabbi Gemara's recent experiences in Israel. With infectious enthusiasm, he shares the dynamic energy he encountered in late-night restaurants and intimate shteibelech (small synagogues). Rabbi Gemara also reflects on the Israeli public's resilience amid the ongoing war in Gaza and tensions with Iran, highlighting their unwavering hope and determination to thrive. This episode captures the enduring strength of the Jewish people and the profound beauty of the Land of Israel. Am Yisrael Chai.

Why does the Torah give cities to the Levites, who have no land? Because cities are where identity is preserved. In this week's episode we explore the nature of cities—from Jerusalem to modern capitals and consider our relationship with them. With special focus on 9th Av.

MATOT: Believe or Cleave to God? | STUMP THE RABBI (239)https://youtu.be/-Cwj2GXEyV8Am Yisrael are believers that children of believers in God. Yet, in multiple places in the Torah, Moshe tells us to Cleave to God. Parashat Matot begins with the matters of Vows before going into the war we were commanded to go to take vengeance against the enemies of God. Today, we will dig deeper into the holy words of the sages inside the oral Torah in order to understand the meaning of cleaving, and how it connects to the wars of HaShem. Learn, Enjoy, Share and Be Holy.#matot #Vows #War #Religions #Believe #Cleave #God #HaShem #Torah #Jewish #RabbiYaronReuven #Jews #inspiring #motivation #OrthodoxJudaism #Judaism #Shabbat #parashat #ParashatMatot #Moses

En quoi la Paracha de Massé rappelle-t-elle la nécessité absolue de ne pas accorder plus d'importance à la force qu'à la vérité ?

Quels enseignements pouvons-nous tirer des nombreux voyages que les Bné Israël ont dû faire dans le désert, après leur Sortie d'Égypte ? Réponse à travers des propos de Rav Chimchon Raphaël Hirsch et de Rabbénou Bé'hayé.

Cours vidéo de 31 minutes donné par Rav Eliahou UZAN.

Lors de l'entrée des Bné Israël en terre d'Israël, les tribus de Réouven et Gad ont voulu rester de l'autre côté du Jourdain. En quoi ce choix est-il étonnant ? A-t-il était fait simplement pour des intérêts matériels ?

This week we read Parshat Mas'ei & Matot, Parashat Matot is giving us the ability to learn how to remove judgment and decrees. Parashat Mas'ei is giving us tremendous powers of correction - overcoming the Dinim (Judgments) and ascending to higher degrees of life. In Parashat Mas'ei we learn the secret of Shem ben Mem Beit (The Name of 42 Letters) - the "Ana BeKo'ah" prayer, as an important tool for correction and transcendence. The Ana BeKho'ah - The Name of 42 Letters https://livekabbalah.org/the-prayer-meditation-ana-bekhoah-the-name-of-42-letters For a short reading about this Parashah: https://livekabbalah.org/matot Join our course program: https://livekabbalah.org/live-kabbalah-courses Join our Zoom Program: https://livekabbalah.org/weekly-zohar-study-live Support our efforts to provide you with more materials, donate to Live Kabbalah: https://livekabbalah.org/donations

What is the meaning of the word 'Matot' which means both tribes and staffs? Why was Aharon mourned so heavily? Why are all of the journeys that Jewish people took in the desert listed? All this and more in this week's Ponderings on the Parsha!

In parashat Matot , we read about the war that the Jewish People waged against Midyan. A thousand people were chosen from each tribe to be the soldiers to fight the battle. Fighting in war was an important part of the Jewish People's being the Am Hashem . Later on in the parasha when Moshe thought that some of the tribes were trying to get out of fighting, he became very upset. As we know, Jewish wars are not won with strong soldiers, they are won by Hashem, as it says, "ה' איש מלחמה," and therefore, the people chosen to fight were the most righteous individuals who would have extra Siyata d'Shamaya . As well, Chazal tell us, when the Jews fought against Midyan, for each soldier that went out to battle, there needed to be a corresponding individual who would stay back to learn and pray on his behalf. It was a partnership. Some would go out to the battlefield, and some would stay back to fight on the spiritual front. Torah and tefila protect us. They are the real ammunition we need to do battle. We are far from being the strongest nation in the world, but luckily for us, we don't need physical might, because we have Hashem to fight our wars. In 1967, the millions of Jews living in Israel were in grave danger. The Egyptian leader Abdel Nasser began moving tens of thousands of soldiers and hundreds of tanks to the Sinai Peninsula towards Israel's southern border. Egypt also blockaded the Straits of Tiran, an international waterway, which was essentially a declaration of war. The people of Israel turned to the nations of the world, primarily the US, for assistance against this Egyptian aggression, but somehow all the Western countries chose to remain neutral. The Jewish People of Israel were left all alone to face the might of the Arab nations who were looking to obliterate them off the face of the earth. Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Iraq and Lebanon all formed a military alliance and began moving forces into Jordan, towards Israel's border. When the other Arab countries realized that the world had abandoned Israel, they began openly calling for the destruction of Israel and the murder of millions of Jews. Military experts projected a loss of possibly 100,000 Jewish lives. They were digging mass graves in case the cemeteries ran out of space. On June 15, at 7:15 in the morning, the Israelis attempted a very daring mission. The risk was extraordinary. They dispatched almost their entire air force, flying at an unprecedented low altitude, less than 20 meters from the ground. Egypt had the most advanced ground to air missiles in the Middle East, and the Israeli planes were old and outdated. But like all other battles, we had Hashem on our side, as was so clear from the events which transpired after that. Precisely during that one hour that the air force went out, the most advanced Russian made jets that patrolled along the border between Egypt and Israel were grounded. Right at that time, the commanders of Egypt, Jordan and Iraq were flying together to observe the Egyptian forces invading Sinai, so they ordered all anti-aircraft units not to fire unless they were given a direct order, as long as they were still in flight. That is precisely when the Israeli Air Force struck. And by 7:45, all their planes were bombing the Egyptian airfields without even being detected. They knocked out half their fleet, and then they went to Cairo to finish off the job. They were outnumbered in soldiers, in planes and in tanks, but it didn't matter, because the battle was not fought with might, it was won by Hashem. Our main concern is our spirituality. Are we as pure as we are supposed to be? We are to provide the spiritual energy and then we'll see the fulfillment of the pasuk "ה' ילחם לכם ואתם תחרישון". Shabbat Shalom.