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LONG DISTANCE RELATIONSHIPS
Just as the national Jewish dream of entering the holy Land of Israel is being realized after sojourning in the desert for forty years, we learn of a shocking story. The tribes of Reuven and Gad approach Moshe and make a bold request. They ask for permission to settle on the eastern bank of Jordan River and not enter Eretz Yisrael!
Moshe's initial response reflects his demoralized state. Only after questions about Reuven and Gad’s sense of loyalty and duty – “Shall your brothers go out to battle while you settle here?” – were answered does Moshe ultimately grant the two tribe’s request.
After the drama settles, a careful reading of the text yields another surprise. As Moshe allows them to settle on the eastern bank of the Jordan, he addresses “the tribe of Reuven, to the tribe of Gad, and to half of the tribe of Menashe the son of Yosef ” (32:33).
Why was a portion of the eastern bank given to the tribe of Menashe when they weren't ever part of the negotiation and why is it only half of the tribe?
The Midrash (quoted by the Chizkuni) offers a most intriguing insight. The division of the tribe of Menashe, half remaining on the eastern bank of the Jordan and half entering Eretz Yisrael was a consequence of an action that took place generations prior. Because Yosef caused his brothers to rend their garments when he had his royal goblet placed in Binyamin's sack (Beraishis 44:13), his descendants, the tribe of Menashe, were torn and split between two sides of the Jordan River.
Although the simple read of the Midrash indicates a causality that is a form of retributive justice, Rabbi Moshe Shterbuch (Taam V'Daas) offers a deeper dimension. Ironically, he suggests that by splitting Menashe in two, the sin of sinas chinam (baseless hatred) that had plagued Yosef and his brothers generations earlier could be repaired.
When family members are physically distant, they are forced to exert effort to cultivate and maintain the relationship. Whereas when family and friends live in close proximity and one can bump in to them at any given time and place, more attention and dedication is required to maintain a long distance relationship, never allowing oneself to take it for granted.
The geographical distance between the two halves of shevet Menashe would necessitate more communication between family members and extra efforts to connect. Therefore, this setup serves as an antidote to the familial infighting from generations earlier.
As we experience the mourning of the "Three Weeks" and the destruction of the Bais HaMikdash we must recall the Talmudic teaching (Yoma 9a) that the second Bais HaMikdash was destroyed due to sinas chinam, baseless hatred, and redouble our efforts to forge meaningful relationships with our fellow Jews, no matter how distant, physically or figuratively.
Especially now, as we are still reeling from a rash of tragedies, we must focus on proactively cultivating a sense of connection and mutual destiny with our fellow Jews. Through our concerted efforts, may we merit to celebrate, everyone together, with the rebuilding of the Bais HaMikdash in our days.
Wishing you all a wonderful Shabbos!
Rabbi David Claman
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