Spiritual Journeys: An Enduring Inheritance

D'var Torah 5771 Parshat Masei
Spiritual Journeys: An Enduring Inheritance
(Bamidbar 33.1-36.13)

Our parsha, Masei, is literally named "journeys." Yet, other than the opening section of verses, it deals more with inheritances than journeys. After Moses summarizes the journey from Egypt to where they now stand, on the east bank of the Jordan River, poised to enter the land promised to them by God; the rest of the parsha deals with specifics of how they are to inherit the land.
•They are given the land's borders and general instructions on dividing it among the tribes, both large and small.
•Cities are given to the Levites along with pasture land around the cities since they won't inherit territory along with the other tribes.
•Cities of refuge are to be designated from among the Levitical cities so that the person who caused another's death unintentionally could flee from his inheritance to the nearest city of refuge and live there until the death of the Kohen HaGadol to keep the family from avenging their loss by killing him.
•Finally, to insure continuity of inheritance, there are stipulations for daughters who inherit property to marry within their tribe so the land stays a part of their tribal portion rather than passing to their husband's tribe. So with all this emphasis on inheritance, why open Masei with a travel itinerary?

I believe this recounting of their travels is no accident, but rather a part of what Torah wanted those about to enter the land, and us here today as well, to learn: Their shared journeys and experiences weren't just a way to get them to their inheritance, they were a part of their inheritance.

Except for Caleb and Joshua, the Israelites about to enter the land weren't the same ones who had left Egypt forty years earlier. They were the children and grandchildren of those who had gone from slavery to freedom following the first Passover. Their ancestors struggled to trust God even after seeing all the signs and wonders God performed through Moses and Aaron to bring about their release from Egyptian bondage. However, despite their failures along the way, this first generation left Egypt with some faith which they passed to the next generation who held onto it and developed it into a deeper trust in God. The 16th century Italian Torah commentator Ovadia Sforno, wrote in his commentary on the beginning of our parsha, that the journeys are included because, "The blessed God wanted the journeys of Israel to be recorded as to make known their merit in following Him 'In the desert, in a land that was not sown,' such that they were worthy of entering the Land" Though they may not have had as much faith in God as Moses and Aaron, not even enough to keep them from murmuring and complaining about various inconveniences of the journey, still, they had enough faith to keep following God through the wilderness. As a result, their children, the next generation, were now preparing to follow God's directions to enter the land.

Traveling together can bring out both the best and the worst in people. How wonderful to share an inspiring scenic view or thrilling "adventure" together. How miserable to experience delays, disappointments or seemingly endless, "Are we there yet?"s together. When we travel together, away from familiar surroundings and conveniences, we have the opportunity to see each other's "real" selves through the lens of the unexpected - whether it be awesome or frustrating.

As the Israelites traveled together with God and each other, they learned and grew from the experience. Though they often frustrated God - along with Moses and Aaron - He never abandoned them. Even in their apparent failures, they and their children experienced God's persistent love and concern for His people and His commitment to bring them to their inheritance. God was able to see that, though some might murmur, complain and even rebel, there were still always those who were ready to trust Him and follow His instructions and commandments.

The Israelites learned from each other's successes and mistakes as well. They saw Moses intercede to God for them and devote his time and energy to teaching them, they watched as Aaron continued his obligations as Kohen HaGadol after the death of two of his sons and they mourned Miriam's death together as a community - moving ever closer not just to inheriting a land, but becoming a nation united by their shared experiences.

Shared journeys transform. Shared experiences, responsibilities and possessions make us aware that there is much more to life than just *us* and our immediate surroundings or condition. We learn to look to others for strength, support and wisdom along the way.

The Israelite's shared journey transformed a generation whose parents were slaves who struggled to trust God, into a people in covenant with God, ready to possess the land He promised them as their inheritance. Our shared journeys with God and each other, through tefillot and Torah - shared holy times and holy words transform us as well. It's our shared Jewish journey that makes us a kehillah - a holy community.

As you journey through life with your children, grandchildren (or great-grandchildren) family and friends, whether or not you think you have much faith or spirituality to offer, you can give them the faith you have. Beautiful, inspiring Shabbat and holiday prayers and meals shared side-by-side, a look at the weekly Torah portion together (even if it's by Skype), being there for bar and bat mitzvahs, weddings or the harder parts of the journey like sickness or a shivah call. When you share the journey through Jewish life and faith with them, not only do you and they grow, but we grow as a sacred community, as the inheritance of shared Jewish journey is passed dor l'dor.

May our "inheritance of journey" become stronger from generation to generation just as our ancestors' did.

Shabbat Shalom

(c) Karla J. Worrell July 30, 2011

Summer Lay-Sermon Program Temple Beth-El, Richmond VA