Numbers 33:1-36:13
The journeys of Israel are recounted as a sacred itinerary, transforming wandering into meaningful narrative. Boundaries of the land are outlined, and cities of refuge are established, balancing justice with compassion. Bamidbar closes with a people poised on the threshold — shaped by their travels and ready, at last, to enter the land.
In Halacha and Parashat Masei by Yael Shahar
This week’s Torah reading, parashat Masei, rounds off Sefer BaMidbar (Numbers). Among the narratives of battles, conquests, and politics, we can also discern a subtle shift in divine-human relations: only in the last few parshiot do human beings begin bringing questions and requests to change the law. In last week’s parashah, the Daughters of Tzelophahad […]
In Maimonides, Parashat Masei and Parashat Matot by Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo
The commandment to designate six cities of refuge (arei miklat) for one who commits unintentional homicide remains one of the Torah’s great enigmas. On the surface, it appears to straddle justice, mercy, and vengeance in a confusing blend. But upon deeper analysis, it speaks to profound spiritual and psychological truths.