Torah Reading
Numbers 33:1 - 36:13
Haftarah
Jeremiah 2:4 - 28; 3:4
In this week’s Torah portion, the tribes of Reuven and Gad promise to help out the other tribes while not living in the land of Israel. God tells Moses exactly where each tribe will live. God clarifies the laws of murder. The daughters of Zelophehad receive their inheritance.
Featured Commentary
Cities of Refuge are symbols of God's unconditional love and constant presence among people.
How the kosher practice of waiting between meat and dairy reminds us of Moses' discomfort with violence.
The most effective and enduring changes create justice for all members of society.
Rabbi Dr. Bradley Shavit Artson
The Torah's establishment of Cities of Refuge introduces the idea that intention determines the meaning of an action.
The biblical "migrash" principle provides a response to urban sprawl.
Every step of the Israelites' journey is framed in relation with God.
A lesson from the Torah's treatment of the Israelites' travels.
The list of the Israelites' encampments during their journeys in the wilderness reminds us of the importance of preserving and retelling our own stories.
One season we find ourselves among the mourners, the next we are among the comforters.
The sons of Reuben and Gad have promised Moses that they will help the other tribes settle the Promised Land before settling across the River Jordan.
The Levites' city dwellings remind us of the importance of green, agricultural spaces for encountering God's creation.
The laws of the Cities of Refuge emphasize the sacredness and infinite value of every human life.
The Book of Numbers, full of bloodshed and division, ends with a call for unity and a discussion of the sanctity of life.
The list of places through which the Israelites traveled in the wilderness teaches us to understand Judaism through our everyday experiences.
