Matot 5771

In this week's parsha, the Israelites prepare to enter the Land of Israel. The tribes of Reuven and Gad, who are wealthy and own lots of livestock, request to settle on the eastern side of the Jordan River (just outside the land of Israel) where they see ample grazing ground for their livestock. "We will build sheep enclosures for our livestock here and cities for our children," they tell Moshe. When Moshe finally acquiesces to their request, he tells them, "Build yourselves cities for your children and enclosures for your sheep."

What is the significance of Reuven's and Gad's descendants mentioning livestock before children in their request, and of Moshe reversing the order in his response?

The Midrash says that Moshe's reversal is a rebuke. It is his way of pointing out that the two tribes seem to attach more importance to their possessions than to their children. Moshe warns that since they are so concerned with their material possessions, they ultimately will not be blessed. As it says in Mishlei (Proverbs) 20:21 about Reuven and Gad, "An inheritance gained hastily in the beginning will not be blessed in the end."

The descendants of Reuven and Gad give up living in the Land of Israel to settle in a place less holy. There are many mitzvot (commandments) that can only be performed within the Land of Israel. The two tribes separate themselves from the rest of the Children of Israel and live surrounded by foreign nations. The Midrash says that as a result of this separation, their connection to Torah weakens and their Torah observance decreases. Hundreds of years later, the tribes on the eastern side of the Jordan are punished by being exiled before those living in the Land of Israel. (I Divrei HaYamim/Chronicles 5:26.)

As parents, we need to get our priorities in order – family first and foremost. Longer hours at the office may indeed bring home extra money, but it means time away from our precious families. How will we use this money? Do we really need to buy and maintain all of this stuff? Must we have the bragging rights to the latest model, the most expensive name brand, the fanciest neighborhood? How quickly these material goods can all disappear! We should instead invest in things that last – for example, our children's Torah education, a family trip to Israel, or a home in a neighborhood that will strengthen our children's connection to Torah.