Matot

Likkutei Sichos, Vol. VIII, p. 186ff. I. This week’s Torah reading relates that the tribes of Reuven and Gad had many herds. Therefore they spoke to Moshe, saying:Bamidbar 32:4. “The land which G‑d has smitten before the congregation of Israel is a land f...

“The gold and the silver, the copper, the iron, the tin and the lead... must be purified with mey nidah (the waters of sprinkling)... you shall pass [it] through water.” -Matot 31:22-23 This passage, proclaimed as the Jewish people were ready to enter the...

In the opening verses of our Sidra we encounter the laws of making and annulling a vow. And whereas a person cannot release himself from his pledges, in certain cases, others can do it for him. In particular, a father can release his daughter (if she has ...

The Torah portion Matos relatesBamidbar 32:1ff. how the tribes of Gad and Reuven asked Moshe to grant them their portion of land, not in Eretz Yisrael proper, but on the other side of the Jordan. They requested this since they had many herds and the land ...

This week’s two Torah readings share an inner connection. The central element of Parshas Matos is the war our people waged against Midian, while the central element of Parshas Masei is the recounting of the journeys of the Jewish people from the exile in ...

“Attention, campers and counselors!” the head counselor’s voice boomed over the loudspeaker. “It’s learning time. Please go to your learning groups now.” Mindy’s group sat in the shade of a large oak tree and listened as Simi, their counselor, began. “The...

Adapted fromLikkutei Sichos, Vol. XVIII, p. 378ff;Vol.XXIII, p. 206ff;Sefer HaSichos 5748, p. 554ff;Sefer HaSichos 5751, p. 709ff;Sichos Shabbos Matos-Masei, 5742 An Approach-Avoidance Conflict The character traits of strength and firmness evoke mixed res...

Introduction We all know people who by nature are intellectually and/or spiritually inclined. They are somewhat different from others. They do not mind being alone. They spend a lot of time studying, meditating, or praying, and do not mind not being invol...

Introduction Once two tzadikim met and discussed their different attainments in Divine service. One of them told the other how he had succeeded in dulling the sensations of his palate. All food now tasted the same to him. His friend was not impressed. “Is...

Introduction Among the recurring themes in the Rebbe’s sichos are the following three:a) The name of the weekly Torah reading reveals the fundamental theme of the entire parshah, providing an inclusive lesson that encompasses all its details.b) When two p...