- Even in the summer, even during summer vacation - there's a Torah portion. And this week we read 2 portions: Parashat Matot and Parashat Masei – the ninth and tenth portions that conclude the Book of Bamidbar.
- And at the conclusion of a book, of an entire volume of the Torah, there are synagogues where they customarily declare three strengthening words: "Chazak, chazak v'nitchazek" (Be strong, be strong, and let us be strengthened).
- Among the central topics in the parashot - a long list of the 42 (!) journeys of the people in the desert, a kind of "graduation party" after all the hardships and the long journey on the way to the Land of Israel. It's important to look at our journey with broad perspective, to "zoom out," to understand and appreciate the path we've taken. Every station we pass through has meaning and a message. Every stage builds a new floor within us.
- And on this Shabbat - we also mark Rosh Chodesh Av, about which it is said: "When Av enters - we diminish joy." We are in the midst of the period of "Bein HaMetzarim" (Between the Straits), three weeks of mourning over the destruction of the Temple, leading up to Tisha B'Av. These are days of reflection and personal and national soul-searching, with the goal of correcting the sins and failures that led to the destruction.
- There are many customs of mourning during these days (no weddings, no haircuts and more - according to the customs of different communities), on Shabbat we read after the portion a special Haftarah from the Book of Jeremiah, but on Shabbat itself there are no mourning customs. On the contrary, it is a day of joy.
Shabbat Shalom and Chodesh Tov.
