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PARSHA POSTS: MATOT

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Michael S. Diamond

Jul 27, 2026, 4:18 AM

The Archive of Forgetting and Undoing

I have registered my maps in The Archive of Forgetting and Undoing. The walls to the Holy City have been breached in this month of the Babylonian god who at Summer’s zenith dies, the faithful son, and returns with the rains of Winter and Spring dew, ransom for his goddess sister, Lady of the Date Clusters. Perhaps...

Lila Shoshana Chertman

Jul 12, 2026, 5:22 AM

A Jew at CUFI: Rediscovering the Biblical Heart of Zionism

Less than one week ago, as part of a large contingent of Jewish leaders and supporters across the country, I was blessed to attend the annual summit in Washington D.C. of the largest pro-Israel organization in the United States....

Jul 11, 2026, 12:33 AM

A Name That Lasts

Yesterday, Palm Beach International Airport officially became President Donald J. Trump International Airport. New signs are now up on the highway, and the familiar airport code of PBI will soon become DJT. The name of one of the most...

William Hamilton

Jul 10, 2026, 6:22 PM

Minimize…With Joy

Here’s how I concluded Tuesday’s Letter this week: It’s not about thinking less of me. It’s about thinking of me less. This is easier said than done. Witness how I’m beginning today’s message by quoting myself. Still, doing so is...

Lila Shoshana Chertman

Jul 10, 2026, 5:52 PM

One Nation, Many Tribes: The Torah’s Call to Shared Responsibility

This week we read the combined Parshiot Matot and Masei. As we continue our journey through the wilderness, now entering its fortieth year, Moses is suddenly faced with yet another challenge. Sihon and Og, whose kingdoms were located in...

Amanda Goldstein

Jul 10, 2026, 2:55 PM

What cancer taught me about the desert

Illustrative. From 'Victory O Lord!' by John Everett Millais, 1871, depicts Moses holding up his arms during the Battle of Rephidim, assisted by Hur (left) and Aaron. (Wikipedia)

When God mapped out a hard route, did Moses ever stop to ask, 'Are You sure they need to hear all of this?' Does advance notice hurt or help? (Matos/Masai)

Jul 10, 2026, 10:22 AM

Power and Place in Parashat Matot-Masei

As we come to the end of the book of Bamidbar (Numbers), we are left holding multiple, often conflicting strands: We are left with both victories in war and reminders of just how conditional progress can be—especially for women. At...

Jul 10, 2026, 9:16 AM

A Man Is His Word (Matot-Masei)

This week's Torah reading, Matot, opens with a sentence that sounds simple until you try to live by it: “If a man makes a vow to God or takes an oath imposing an obligation on himself, he shall not...

Jul 10, 2026, 8:36 AM

A Timely and Urgent Resource for Every Jewish Community

“The Case against Cremation and for Traditional Burial” A profound defense of Jewish tradition and the eternal sanctity of the human form In recent years, a troubling and deeply concerning trend has emerged: too many Jews are opting for cremation without...

Jul 10, 2026, 8:03 AM

The spiritual question around aliyah

The tribes of Gad and Reuven had large flocks. Seeing the rich grazing land east of the Jordan, in this week's Parsha, they asked Moshe for permission to settle there instead of in the Promised Land. They pledged to...

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