Journeys
This week we get two parshiyot, two Torah portions, for the price of one Shabbat – Matot-Masei. The second parasha, Masei, means “their journeys.” The Torah lists the various stopping points, the campsites of the Israelites throughout their journey: they left from Ramses, and camped in Sukkot. They left Sukkot and camped at Etam, etc.Many of our rabbis ask, why do we need to read all of these place names? Why do we care? Is this not like reading a list of service areas and gas stations on the highway?
Various commentaries to the Torah emphasize that the enumeration of the journeys and encampments helped review all that had transpired during the 40 years in the desert. The place names reminded the Israelites: remember when we got in a fight, in the city of Mara? Or when we made up, in the next city, Elim?
Summer is often a time of journeying, when many of us travel from place to place. While we are on our various journeys, it is very important to take time recalling where we have been, reflecting on what we have done, and what we hope to do in the future.
In terms of our community’s future, we are very fortunate to have two amazing young Israelis, Keshet Jamson and Ayelet ben Shitrit, who will be joining us at Anshe Emet Synagogue and the Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School for an exciting adventure. Keshet and Ayelet are deferring their Israeli military service by serving the Jewish people in our community. They will be our community’s shin shiniyot (abbreviated form of shnat sherut, meaning “year of service”). Ayelet and Keshet will live in our community, spending time as informal educators for our youth.
Over the next month or so, you will be hearing about how we will welcome them to our community. As you go on your various journeys throughout the summer, I hope that you will continue having fun, enjoyable, and safe journeys, and that you will join me in excitement as we look forward to welcoming Keshet and Ayelet who will journey to us in Chicago for the coming year.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi David Russo
