Shavuah Tov!!! Wishing everyone a blessed week!
This week we read a double portion “Matos-Mas’ei.”
“Matos” relates how Moshe addressed the leaders of the “Matos” (the tribes) of the Children of Israel. The tribes of Israel are also known as “Shevatim”. The roots of these two words are as follows:
“Shevet” is a soft tree branch, only recently cut or perhaps still connected to the tree from which is nourished.
“Mateh” is a dry, hard stick, disconnected from the tree and no longer moist with its sap.
Exile is a tough place but at the same time it creates opportunities that force us to reveal our deepest strength and connection to H”S.
Like “Mateh” in exile we are separated from Him, we can no longer see Him as we did in the times of the Temples. If we use it well that inner strength of Mateh should empower us to serve H”S despite of everything and in that way we will be like “Shevet” reconnected to the tree that nourishes us and help us keep our faith and trust in H”S. As the verse states “mateh uzcha” ( the staff of your strength) (Tehillim 110:2), which as the Midrash explains refers to Moshiach, who will redeem us from this exile B”H soon in our days.
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