"Living By Our Values"
In this week’s Torah portion of Mattos, we learn about the request of the tribes of Reuben and Gad to settle on the trans-Jordan.
They ask Moses, “Pens for the flock shall we build here for our livestock and cities for our small children.”
Moses corrects them and restates their request, “Build for yourself cities for your small children and pens for your flock.”
When Gad and Reuben speak of their sheep before their children, the implication is that their cattle were their highest priority. Is it possible that they valued their wealth more than their children? Perhaps if we can evaluate and be mindful of what we value we can then live lives that reflect those values.
Sometimes it is easier to just go with the flow, to live life without reflecting on or examining our ways. Often, we are unknowingly yet powerfully influenced by the pervading culture and the people around us. Yet, we are the Jewish people descended from Abraham and Sarah, both of whom were described as “Ivrei.” The root of this word is “Eiver’ meaning, "the other side.”
They were people who stood apart, stood on the other side. They were people who challenged the status quo. They were people who lived their lives in a unique way in relationship with the One God. They were people who had the courage and clarity to live differently than everyone else. They were people with the strength to live boldly and with conviction.
They were people who lived holy and meaningful lives.
Nowadays we may have to stand apart. We may also have to stand firm in what we believe and what we prioritize. When we know what we cherish and what we value the most, then we can live lives that reflect those values.
The tribes of Gad and Ruben stood corrected and were able to reorient themselves to do value their children first.
May blessing to us is that we have the courage to evaluate our priorities and have the strength to realign them if need be and then live by them.
Sending love for a Shabbat shalom
Elissa
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