Bs”d
Parshas Masei (5768)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
Rashi (33:1) brings a parable in the Chumash’s account of the encampments of a king reminiscing with his son about the ordeal of their travels in bringing him for help in the need of medical assistance. In doing so he recalled the various experiences of suffering, problems, trials and tribulations they endured on the many stop offs in their trip. This would mean in terms of the parable that our encampments in the desert had significance towards the improvement of our spiritual shortcomings.
In this framework the significance and concept of the camp is the withdrawal from the normal preoccupations of the regular movement of life. This would mean taking time to give serious thought and evaluation of the issue that needs to be overhauled or fine-tuned and down to earth, practical, realistic plan of action.
The journey itself signifies ready to go forward, full of optimism and the commitment for serious change and to see things in a different, efficient perspective. Our own spiritual journeys should lead us to the spiritual heights and perfection we yearn for.
Have a wonderful Shabbos and a month of speedy redemption for Klal Yisroel.