by Rabbi David Woznica

 

This week our Torah reading of Matot-Masei concludes the Book of Numbers (in Hebrew, Bamidbar or “In the Wildnerness”), the fourth of the five books of the Torah. Numbers begins at Mount Sinai with a reckoning of the census as the Israelites continue their wandering to the Promised Land.

During their long trek the Israelites complain, Moses forms a type of governing body (70 elders), and ten of the twelve scouts that Moses sent ahead to check out the land return with a report that it is inhabited by giants. The Israelite’s response to the report is to refuse to enter the land. God punishes them with a 40-year wandering through the wilderness insuring that it will be the next generation, and not theirs, that enter the Promised Land.  God remains faithful, guiding our people by way of a cloud during the day and a pillar of fire at night.

It’s noteworthy the Torah depicts the Israelites so negatively. In doing so, it adds to the credibility of the Torah and distinguishes it from the sacred books of other religions, which typically reflect well on their people. In fact, non-Jews are often portrayed very positively in the Torah.

It is in Numbers that Moses learns the he will not enter the Promised Land. Only two people of that generation will reach the Promised Land, Caleb and Joshua, the two scouts (of the twelve referenced above) who reported that the land was “flowing with milk and honey.” Numbers concludes with the Israelites at the Jordan River, the Promised Land just beyond.

Next week we commence the reading of Deuteronomy (in Hebrew, Devarim or “Words”) which, in essence, is Moses’ Farewell Address to the Israelites. He will recount the 40-year trek from Egypt and remind them to observe the mitzvot (commandments) while cautioning against temptations in Canaan. Moses tells of God’s punishment for disobeying and God’s blessing for showing faith, imploring the Israelites to have courage and not to fear, for God will be with them. Finally, Moses will offer a majestic Farewell Song celebrating God as the Rock of Israel, followed by a blessing of our people.

And then, in simple words, we read of Moses’ solitary walk to mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah. It is there that God shows him the Promised Land. It is on that mountain Moses’ takes his final breath.

And yet, even though we know how The Book ends, our story is still being written.