Matot-Masei
Numbers 30:2-36:13
Jeremiah 2:4-28; 3:4
“Then they [the tribes of Gad and Reuben] stepped up to him [Moses] and said, “[First,] we will build here sheepfolds for our flocks and towns for our children. And we will hasten as shock-troops in the van of the Israelites until we have established them in their home, while our children stay in the fortified towns because of the inhabitants of the land” (Numbers 32:16-17).
With that biblical passage in mind, I am reminded of the quote from Mark Twain (whom I love to quote). Among other things he once said, “Man is the only animal who’s got the true religion — several of them.”
If the casualness and frequency with which we do things “religiously” is any indication, then Twain’s ironic comment contains as much truth as humor. There are, indeed, a host of activities in which we engage, religiously. We play tennis every Monday — religiously. We play bridge every Tuesday — religiously. We eat lox and bagels every Sunday — religiously.
Rabbi Sydney Greenberg, of blessed memory, wrote some years ago that he didn’t object to using the term “religiously” to convey the idea of regularity, but so often the word is used by many people who perform a host of secular activities “religiously” while they fulfill their religious obligations sporadically — or not at all.
It is similar to having the ultimate devotion to marginal concerns and only marginal devotion to the ultimate concerns. The required courses have become electives.
Perhaps it is some solace to note that we are not the first generation to get these priorities mixed up. In the Torah reading as part of this week’s portion we have a reminder that our Biblical ancestors were also subject to a confusion of values, or a confusion of priorities.
We read that the tribes of Gad and reuben wanted to settle on the east side of the Jordan. Moses did not object to their request, but he did ask them first to join their brothers in the war for the land on the west of the Jordan. Thus he challenges them, “Shall your brothers go to war while you sit here?”
The tribes of Gad and Reuben are impressed by this argument and they do indeed agree to join their brothers in battle. But first “we will build sheepfolds for our cattle and cities for our children.”
The rabbis in the Midrash elaborating on this conversation tell us that Moses rebuked the two tribes for first things second and second things first. Their primary concern was with their sheep, and their children came later. “This is no way to behave,” Moses declared. “First build cities for the children then worry about your sheep:” He means: families first, possessions later.
Of course, we have come a long way since Moses. On our journey we have accumulated a host of scientific discoveries, technological advances and modern gadgets. A thousand computerized servants do our bidding in ways that our ancestors (and we just a few years ago) never could have imagined. But with all our advances, what is it that will bring us happiness and satisfaction? What is it that we need to put first and what is it that we need to put second?
We might have enlarged means, but do we have greater purposes? We may have stronger houses, but do we have weaker homes? We can travel faster, but do we have a greater sense of direction?
In examining our priorities, I share with you this reflection about money: Money can buy sex — but not love; money can buy a bed — but not sleep; money can buy status — but not honor; money can buy a pint of blood — but not life; money can buy a clock — but not time; money can buy a book — but not knowledge; and money can buy a house — but not a family.
May we all find a way to put first things first and second things second.
Rabbi Larry Raphael is the senior rabbi of Congregation Sherith Israel in San Francisco.