The Portion of Masei

The Portion of Masei

In this portion, we learn of the journeys made by the Israelites in the desert and the plan for their arrival, including the division of the land. Finally, we return to the story of the daughters of Zelophehad, whose cousins are concerned that they may take their...

A Law for Every Circumstance

Our portion begins with a series of scenarios, listing what the God-fearing Israelite must do in each case. The first of these is a situation in which a soldier comes across a beautiful captive during war. If he wishes to take her, he must first allow her to mourn her...

The Other Side of the Jordan

As the nation prepares to enter the Promised Land, the tribes of Reuben and Gad approach Moses with a proposal. They are laden with sheep and cattle and have noticed that the newly-conquered lands on this side of the Jordan River are suitable for livestock. Instead of...

The Battle Against Midian

God commands Moses to lead the Children of Israel into battle against Midian as vengeance for causing them to sin at Baal Peor, after which Moses will die. Without flinching, Moses orders the nation to send out an army of 1,000 soldiers from each tribe to fight...