Mattot-Massei

“Build cities for your little ones and pens for your flocks” Numbers 32:24

IT COULD be argued that Jews have a genetic predisposition to break away from their own communities and form factions.

This week’s sidrah is no different. The people are finally entering the land of Israel. But the descendants of Reuben, Gad and half of Manasseh are restless. They propose that they don’t cross the Jordan, requesting to settle in the territory just outside of Israel.

Moses is outraged. He accuses them of selfishly abandoning their brethren instead of entering the land and helping them in battle. The tribes regroup and come back with a clarified request. They ask to briefly build “pens for the flock and cities for the small children”. They promise then to help conquer the land before returning to their families.

At this point, Moses seems to concede. He tells them they can “build cities for their children and pens for their flock”.

You could almost miss the fact that whereas the people put their flock first and families second, Moses does the reverse. In this simple way, he addresses his major objection to their request. Though just a change in order, it is very telling of their priorities. He allows them to establish themselves, but wants them to realise their quest for material security needs to start with concern for their families, not for their wealth.

The life lesson is critical, but the way the message is taught is educational as well. Sometimes the greatest way to bring about meaningful change is not head-on conflict but through subtlety. When Moses tries to confront them the first time, they misunderstand his frustration and find a pragmatic solution.

But through changing the order, Moses is telling them their ideology cannot be fixed through a compromise. It can only be done through a reassessment of values.