Parshat Matot: Caring for Your Fellow
by Rabbi Lobel

Moses and Israel had finished conquering the area east of the Jordan River. Before crossing the Jordan into the new Land of Israel, the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Menashe asked Moses if they could permanently dwell on the east side of the Jordan. The land east of the Jordan was very fertile and fit for pasture.

Many battles lay ahead of Israel before they conquered the land. Moses asked the two and a half tribes “shall your brothers go out to battle while you settle here? Why do you dissuade the heart of the Children of Israel from crossing the land that G-d has given them?” (Numbers 32:6-7)

Rashi explains “why do you dissuade” for the children of Israel will be under the impression that you (Reuben,Gad...) are afraid to cross the Jordan because of the war and the strength of the towns and the people now living in Israel.

After Moses sent twelve spies, ten returned with a report that disheartened the Jewish people. The Israelites complained and were sentenced to wander in the desert for forty years until their death. According to the Ralbag (32:6), Moses was afraid that the same consequences the Jewish people suffered with the spies would result again if Reuben, Gad, and half Menashe refused to cross the Jordan River with their brethren.

The two and a half tribes were more concerned with their livestock's pasture than anything else (Rashi 32:16). Yet, Moses’ primary concern was their lack of caring, that they didn’t realize their request could cause the demise of the rest of the Jewish nation. It’s important to have the right intentions but it’s even more important to care for your fellow.