Posted on 07/12/18
Parshas Mattos provides us with some valuable insights into the concepts of responsibility, Hakaras Hatov and the merits of being part of a Tzibbur. After defeating Midyan in war pursuant to Hashem’s direction, there is some question as to how to share and divide the considerable spoils. First, we are given the commandment of Hechsher Keilim – the process of “kashering” untensils which formerly belonged to a goy, either through fire or immersion. (Mattos 31:22) Next comes Hashem’s directive of how to divide the spoils. Hashem instructs Moshe to tally up all that has been captured and divide it in half. (31:27)
An interesting start for sure. By whom, are the spoils to be used and enjoyed? Halves. What should be done with the “halves”? Perhaps they should be shared equally between men and women? The men could use them in practical manners such as fashioning the metals into new weapons or using the livestock for carrying their belongings. The women could use the wool to make fabrics and the metals for decorative purposes.[1] For some reason the idea of the spoils being shared on a pro rata basis was off the table. The spoils were not to be divided “equally” among the people. No, Hashem’s directive is instructive indeed. The spoils were to be divided with half going to the people who fought the battle and the other half being shared by the rest of the people. Wow. Consider that only twelve thousand men went out to fight (31:4) and at last count B’nei Yisroel’s number exceeded six hundred thousand men, and you have quite the disproportionate division. (2% of the people were to get 50% of the spoils)
There is little doubt as to the first message delivered by Hashem with this instruction. The main beneficiary of the spoils was to be the people who put their lives on the line in acquiring them. Then, the rest of the nation who fulfilled important other roles, would enjoy the remainder. Of course, from both halves were portions designated for the Kohanim, Leviyim and maintenance of the Mishkan.[2] Hashem’s direction demonstrates the three critical areas to be recognized - public service (Kohanim and Leviyim), community responsibility (Maintaining the Mishkan) and the largest share to those who risked their lives in securing the largess.
A few years ago when the Israeli Defense Forces were engaged in fierce fighting in Southern Lebanon, at the Mirir Yeshiva the time had come for Peasach Ben Hazmanim – a full month away from the Yeshiva to prepare for Pesach and recharge. As Rosh Chodesh Nissan arrived, most were absorbed in their preparations to leave. The Rosh Yeshiva, the Goen Harav Nosson Tzvi Finkel Z’TL insisted that everyone remain in the Yeshiva. “Our part is to learn Torah and it is their part to fight the physical battles – how can we pack up and leave when they are actively engaged in war with their lives on the line.” In today’s times, those words ring very true indeed. Whatever out particular roles in Klal Yisroel, we must rededicate ourselves to recognizing our share in the tzibbur and do whatever we can in the merit of the soldiers in Israel who are putting their lives on the line.
All too often we get caught up in our own idiosyncratic view of the world and Klal Yisroel and lose sight of the bigger picture – we are all in this together. Just as there were twelve Shevatim, we all have different roles to play in the world, albeit with many things common between us. Regardless of ones political or religious beliefs in issues regarding “Medinas” Yisroel, we all owe a debt of gratitude to the soldiers who risk their lives daily so that we have the privilege of walking in the streets of Yerushalayim and the rest of Eretz Yisroel. Virtually every Israeli family has lost a father, brother or son so that the rest of us can live in and visit our Eretz Hakedosha. We must take every opportunity to acknowledge, thank and appreciate their sacrifices and constantly daven for their safety. That is part of our job.
[1] It is not the intent to make a general statement about what men or women may choose to do with similar materials. Rather, these examples reflect the roles and usages which were often ascribed to men and women in the time of Torah’s narrative.
[2] This is quite interesting in that Shevet Levi apparently also sent one thousand men out to war. (Rashi 31:4) Hence Levi was to receive not only 1/24 of the total spoils but also, like the Kohanim, a special allotment in recognition of their important service in the Mishkan.