Home

Dear Friends,

In this week's Parsha, two short verses, "Vayehi Binsoa HaAron" and "Uvnucho Yomar" (Bamidbar 10:35-36), are uniquely framed by inverted Hebrew letter Nun's, the 'nun hafuchot' which serve almost like parentheses. The Talmud (Shabbat 116a) explains that these verses are not in their original place but were inserted to separate two narratives of calamities (puranuyot): the grumblings of the 'mit'onenim' (complainers) and the people's departure "from the mountain of G-d" (Har Sinai).

At first glance, these seem like unrelated events. The mit'onenim express dissatisfaction with their conditions, while the second episode appears to be a simple logistical move. But Chazal interpret the phrase "they traveled from the mountain of G-d" as a spiritual backslide, as if the people were leaving Sinai and the Divine presence behind, not just geographically but ideologically.

Rabbi Mordecai Rogov zt"l, the late Rosh Yeshiva of Skokie, in Ateret Mordechai, offers a profound insight into the connection between these two episodes. He suggests that the grumbling of the mit'onenim reflects a common human tendency: the desire for more, more wealth, more status, and more comfort. This drive for greater things, for "rising expectations," is not inherently negative. It fuels growth and advancement, serving as the very engine of economic and societal progress. Without ambition, societies would stagnate. However, when ambition is not grounded in Torah, it risks becoming destructive. People begin to credit only themselves, forgetting Hashem and the values that once guided them. Over time, this unchecked materialism can lead to spiritual drift and even rejection of tradition.

This is the connection between the two narratives of disaster: dissatisfaction and disengagement. One leads naturally to the other. When material striving is left unchecked by spiritual purpose, the result is a loss of identity and direction.

The Torah's response is clear. Between the two crises, the passage of the Aron Hakodesh the Holy Ark, "Vayehi Binsoa HaAron," is inserted. The Ark, representing Torah, serves as the interruption that stops the spiral. It teaches that only by carrying Torah with us, studying it, living by it, and centering it in our journey can we aspire for more without losing our way.

Striving for achievement, advancement, and accumulation are not inherently harmful traits, but they become dangerous when they are unanchored from their spiritual purpose. A community that seeks only material growth is building on a fragile foundation. Without Torah, even the most successful society risks spiritual decay.

This message is especially timely as we enter the summer months. Summer offers a reprieve from routine, but it can also become a season of spiritual pause. Vacations and leisure are good and necessary, but they must not become escapes from Torah. On the contrary, the slower pace of the season can provide a greater opportunity for reflection, learning, and spiritual growth. Our travels should not echo "Vayisu meHar Hashem," a departure from Hashem and spiritual growth, but rather "Vayehi Binsoa HaAron," in which we carry our values, taking the Torah with us, shaping and guiding our path wherever we go.

In light of the uncertain and challenging situation unfolding in Eretz Yisrael, the potent words in this week's Parsha resonate with particular urgency:

וְכִֽי־תָבֹ֨אוּ מִלְחָמָ֜ה בְּאַרְצְכֶ֗ם עַל־הַצַּר֙ הַצֹּרֵ֣ר אֶתְכֶ֔ם וַֽהֲרֵֽעֹתֶ֖ם בַּֽחֲצֹֽצְרֹ֑ת וְנִזְכַּרְתֶּ֗ם לִפְנֵי֙ יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֔ם וְנֽוֹשַׁעְתֶּ֖ם מֵאֹֽיְבֵיכֶֽם:

"And when you go to war in your land against an enemy who oppresses you, you shall sound a blast with the trumpets, and you will be remembered before Hashem your God, and you shall be saved from your enemies." (Bamidbar 10:9 see Baal HaTurim).

Though we no longer rally with trumpets as in the days of old, the call to unite in times of crisis remains just as relevant. Let us answer that call this Shabbos gathering together for chizzuk, heartfelt tefillah, and a special recitation of Tehillim after davening as we strengthen ourselves and stand with our brothers and sisters in Eretz Yisrael.

And may we merit soon the continuation of the next verse: וּבְי֨וֹם שִׂמְחַתְכֶ֣ם “On the day of your rejoicing” to once again gather not in distress, but in celebration, peace, and Geulah Shelema.

Wishing you a meaningful Shabbos,

Rabbi Shlomo Gabay 

Upcoming Event

Photos from Purim 2025:  Pirates of Shushan 

Photos from Avos U'Banim

Recent Events