A Nation Cannot Disavow Its Obligations

Jul 22, 2025, 12:14 AM

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Torah Portions- Mattot- Massei (Numbers 30:2 – 36:13)

What purpose do rightful oaths and vows serve?

To ensure restrictions, honour, preserve.

Life needs limitations on behavior

To prevent entitlement of waiver.

Rueven, Gad and half of Manasseh settled

East of the Jordan River, yet, responsible

For their brethren’s safety and well-being.

A nation cannot disavow obligations.

Forty-two journeys were taken from Egypt,

Each journey, a trial of growth for maturity,

To reach the destination needs resolve,

Understanding of care upon arrival,

For everyone’s needs finally to be met.

Just as life requires delineation,

Borders set demarcations for safety.

About the Author

Michel M.J. Shore is a retired judge of the Federal Court of Canada and recently made a home in Israel. He is the writer of several published books and poetry collections.