On the Edge: Commitment and Unity (and Pride) in Mattot and Masei

This week, we read a double Torah portion, Mattot and Masei, which together conclude the Book of Numbers. In Mattot and Masei, we find the desert journey of our People nearing its end before entering the Promised Land.

At the very end of the the Book of Numbers, a surprising and significant twist occurs. As the Israelites are about to cross the Jordan, the tribes of Reuven, Gad, and half of Menashe approach Moses, saying they do not want to cross the Jordan. Let that sink in. The twelve tribes have been traveling together for forty years, Moses has been leading them through trials, tribulations, rebellion, disappointment, plague, and assault. The point of this entire journey was to reach the Promised Land, and Moses has recently told he himself will not enter the land. The one thing he wants more than anything else is denied, and now Reuben, Gad, and half of Menashe say they don’t wish to enter the land.

Moses loses his temper and responds: “Your fellow Israelites are heading to war, and you’re going to sit here?!” (Numbers 32:6).

Cut to the present moment: this verse is testing everyone not in the State of Israel right now. Families in Israel are taking shelter. My daughters are in Jerusalem, my sister lives in Tel Aviv, and countless friends who are like family are under immediate threat.

The verse highlights something critical. It is important for all of us — Am Yisrael, the people of Israel, and those connected to our people — to internalize this. Am Yisrael includes not only Jews but also Israeli Arabs, Christians, Druze, Bedouins, and other citizens. While 80% of Israelis are Jewish, the remaining 20% are not, yet they are all part of the larger Israeli identity.

The challenge of Moses in our days is nothing less than this: when Reuben and Gad say they will not cross over, Moses asks if they will fight. They respond that they will.

Zionism is today’s articulation of Jewish dignity, the belief that Jews have a rightful place on Earth. It is an ancient reality, interrupted by forceful exile, that continues in today’s restored Jewish homeland. The response of Reuben and Gad to Moses must be ours too. They commit to fight alongside their brothers. Global Jewish unity is critical, then and now.

Standing with Israelis in Jerusalem just yesterday, witnessing resilience and unceasing life amid significant stress, is a reminder of our collective strength. It has been a difficult 301 days for Jews worldwide, and the work we do as a united Jewish community brings our people closer, helps them feel strong, loved, and supported.

We are not victims. We are miraculous, heroic, and alive. As we stand on the edge of our metaphorical Jordan River, we must remember what it means to truly be home. Each visit to Israel, despite its challenges, reaffirms this connection. We will not sit by when our family is in need.

I invite you to embrace the pride of being part of Am Yisrael, the Jewish People. Say it: “I am a Jew, and I am so very proud.” This pride is not about triumphalism but about recognizing our rightful place in the world as Jews and our responsibility to our family and community. As we move forward, may we never sit by when our family needs us. Simultaneously, may we never miss the beauty we embody, so that our existence is not limited to reaction but rather a celebration of who we truly are: We are Am Yisrael, and have reason for Pride.

On this Erev Shabbat, on our 301st day since October 7th, may our family come home. May we remember to sing, to be proud, and to hold each other close.