In a “leap” year such as we are having, it isn’t often we get a combined portion, but we have one this week with the combined portions of Matot and Masei. And good news – finally, all our calendars are realigned; all Jews everywhere are on the same page (of Torah, if not everything else.)
Today (Friday) is also Rosh Chodesh Av. The month of Av is the saddest month of the Jewish year, containing as it does the observance of Tisha B’Av, the 9th of Av. Follow the link to learn more about that important fast day.
Notice, too, that we are also in the Three Weeks of communal mourning before Tisha B’Av. The haftarot on these Shabbats are haftarot that abjure us to take notice of our behavior in this world. This week Jeremiah 2:4 – 28 and 3:4 rebukes us for faithless behavior.
Our online darshanim this week have lots to say:
Redeeming the Instructions to Displace and Destroy by Rabbi Rachel Barenblat
The Ascent of Women, the Ascent of All of Us by Rabbi Sylvia Rothschild
Trump, the Trail of Tears, and Parshat Ma’asei by Rabbi Amy Scheinerman
The Complexity of Human Rights by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks
Parashat Matot-Ma’asei by Rabbi Aubrey Glazer
Stops Along the Way by Rabbi Eve Posen
Are We There Yet? by Rabbi Steven Kushner