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Matot-Masei (2025)

Shabbat Parshat Matot-Masei (double parsha) & Rosh Chodesh Av


Dvar Torah
Following the last weeks’ extensive chronicles of the troubles of the wilderness (e.g. Korach’s rebellion, Ba’al Peor etc.), the beginning of Masei recounts the sequence of 42 encampments of Bnei Yisrael (the Children of Israel) in the wilderness over their 40-year sojourn to the Promised Land. Sforno explains that this repetition is included to highlight the merits of Bnei Yisrael in following Hashem throughout the desolate wilderness for so many years. Indeed, in many congregations this portion of the Parsha is read in a special cantillation evoking the majesty of Bnei Yisrael in their sojourns. While we generally associate the period of the Wilderness with its troubles, as we close the story in hindsight, we focus instead on the overarching theme of the Wilderness – the special relationship between G-d and his people.

About the month of Av
The beginning of Av (this Shabbat) commences the “nine days” culminating in Tisha B’av (Aug 3rd) – the Jewish day of mourning for all national tragedies throughout the ages from the destruction of Jerusalem to today. In recognition of past events, it’s customary during this period to refrain from celebratory activities like parties and concerts. The month of Av is also customarily called “Menachem Av” – the “Consoled” Av in recognition of our collective mourning for the past together with our hopes and prayers for future redemption.

Shabbat in/out times
Yerushalayim 19:05/20:21
Tel-Aviv 19:20/20:23
Delhi 18:58/19:55
Johannesburg 17:20/18:15
Zurich 20:50/22:03
Paris 21:20/22:36
New York 20:00/21:05
Los Angeles 19:40/20:40

Shabbat Shalom! 

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