Bs”d
Parshas Matos – Masai (5764)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
In our parsha we find in regard to nedarim, women under the jurisdiction of their fathers or husbands. Beside the dry, technical aspect of this halacha, there is an obvious statement of the Torah outlook in regard to a very basic issue; the role of a woman in relationship to her husband and father.
Nowhere in the world do we find the female elevated, respected and held in the highest esteem more than in the Torah ideology. When the world was still degrading and holding women in the lowest esteem we accepted women to fill the role of the highest prophets and judges. Yet the Torah teaches us loud and clear that the husband has the role in the home as the “leader”. The woman is held in the highest esteem for her unique traits especially the extra wisdom her has. But the husband is the leader.
How significant this lesson is to us in this point of history when in our civilization the rebellion of womanhood has been totally accepted. (The supremacy of the father and husband is one of the greatest sins and atrocities that the middle-east cultures are accused of). This terrible darkness has even infiltrated the ranks of the shomrei Torah u’mitzvos and is largely responsible for the breakdown of our society. Our Parsha should be an inspiration and guidance of the truth.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.