Parashat Mattot-Massei

The double portion read this week, Mattot-Masei, begins with difficult concepts - the ability of an individual to make vows that are as binding as the laws of Torah; the annulment of a woman's vows; the taking of the spoils of war; the desire of two and a half tribes to settle outside the Land of Israel even after 40 years of wandering to get to the Land.

It seems as if Moshe, on G'd's instructions, allows the incomprehensible, even the intolerable. Then, in the second parsha, we read the completion of the travels in the desert and the precise borders of the Land of Israel.

This is followed by a description of the cities of refuge, places that will provide sanctuary for those who have committed manslaughter and who are sought for revenge by the family of the bereaved. A clear distinction is made between one who kills accidentally and one who commits intentional murder. It is unjust to allow an accidental killer to be treated as a murderer; it is equally unjust to allow a murderer to escape the full force of the law.

The first of the two portions seems to contradict our modern sensibilities and understanding of law, fairness, justice, equality and responsibility. The second confirms that Justice is a central platform in Jewish belief and practice. The Book of Numbers contains many episodes and ordinances that are beyond our comprehension but it concludes with a clear statement about 'Justice', linking our adherence to principles of justice to our responsibilities to the Land and our ability to live in it. We are warned not to 'contaminate' the Land through illegal or immoral behaviour.