In these last days what can we do and what platform has God given us?

Published: Tue, 07/22/25

Updated: Wed, 07/23/25

"When a man makes a vow to the Lord or takes an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word but must do everything he said."

Numbers 30:2

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Hi friend,

This coming Shabbat's Torah portion, read on Saturday, July 26th, is Parashat Matot-Masei. This week’s Torah reading, Matot-Massei, begins with the laws of oaths. The Israelites wage battle against Midian, and the spoils are divided and tithed. The tribes of Reuben and Gad request and receive territory outside the mainland of Israel. Moses reviews the forty years of Israelitejourneys through the desert. The Torah discusses the boundaries of Israel, its division amongst the tribes, the cities which the Levites would receive, and the cities of refuge. Tzelafchad’s daughters are restricted to marrying within their own tribe.

Please enjoy this teaching of our beloved Root Source teacher, Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz of blessed memory, about this week's Torah portion, Matot Masei, and share your thoughts with us!

Last week, our popular Root Source teacher Rabbi Gedalia Meyer talked about Pinchas. Watch it below.

Participate in our enlightening lesson Teacher Rabbi Aryeh Leifert talked about What is Wisdom. Watch it below.

Take part in the inspiring lesson Reeh with Teacher Sondra Baras. Learn more below.

Check below to hear what Gidon Ariel and Jeff Hutchmeon have to share.

We sign off with a nice comment and a beautiful photo of Jerusalem, Israel.

Shalom,

Gidon Ariel and Bob O’Dell
Root Source Founders

Parashat Matot-Massei

A person who obligates him- or herself with a vow is required to fulfill the vow. Under certain circumstances, a husband or father can annul vowsmade by his wife or daughter. The Israelites were commanded to exact revenge from the Midianites for their part in seducing Jewish men to sin (described in the end of the Torah reading of Balak, Numbers 25). A 12,000-strong army of Israelites, led by Pinchas, waged battle against Midian. All adult Midianite males were killed, along with Balaam and Midian’s five kings. The women, children and battle spoils were brought back to the Israelite encampment.

Parashat Matot Masei: "Its Courses Wander; You Cannot Know": The Hidden Map from Exile to Redemption

The forty-two journeys of Israel in the wilderness reveal a profound truth about the nature of existence itself: life does not follow a straight path. The route described in Parashat Masei appears deliberately circuitous, taking the people north to conquer Bashan only to return south to enter through Jericho, when a direct northern entry would have been simpler. This wandering pattern reflects the deeper reality that neither individual lives nor Jewish history unfold according to human logic or expectation. We travel from station to station without knowing our precise location in the grand narrative, whether we stand at Mount Shepher (beauty) or Haradah (trembling), whether we are in the book of Leviticus or Deuteronomy of our personal or collective story.

Learn here

Pinchas:
Rabbi Gedalia Meyer's Weekly Torah Study

We learn to bury our emotions at an early age, sometimes so deeply we forget that they are there. Moshe too had thoughts he kept under wraps only to reveal them while deep in prayer with HaShem.

Watch the video

What is Wisdom

Rabbi Leifert asks and then tries to answer the question: What is Wisdom? He answers it by telling the story of King Solomon, the very story that resulted in the book of Proverbs being written in the first place.

Learn here

Reeh

Lesson 4 of the Shabbat Shalom: Portion of the Week series features Sondra Baras teaching on Reeh, the final lesson in the Deuteronomy 1 course.

Learn here

Conversations:
Gidon Ariel and Jeff Hutcheon - August 29, 2023

In their first of many hoped-for conversations, Gidon Ariel and Jeff “Hutch” Hutcheon explore themes of faith, mourning, unity, and purpose—discussing the Jewish New Year, the role of the Church in politics, and how individuals can faithfully use their God-given gifts to impact the world in these challenging times.

Watch the video

Hebron’s Jewish Legacy: History, Tragedy, and Hope for Peace - January 24, 2025

In this interview, Gidon Ariel discusses Hebron’s deep Jewish roots dating back to Abraham, the enduring resilience of its Jewish community through tragedy and exile, and the ongoing challenges and hopes for coexistence in a city sacred to both Jews and Arabs. He highlights the significance of the Tomb of the Patriarchs, the impact of the 1929 massacre, and the community’s continued presence and commemoration efforts today.

Watch here!

Comments

We get so many comments!
Here is one from Paushali Lass on
Parashat Eikev

"Always cleave to Him! Thank you for this content."

Judea Desert, Israel

Enjoy this photo in Judea Desert, Israel by Benjamin Grull .

Blessings and Shalom,
Bob and Gidon

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