WRJ Voices: Matot Mas'-ei

As we reach the end of the book of Numbers (B’midbar), this week’s double portion, Matot-Mas’ei, reminds us to find our voice and to not fear change. In the portion Matot, Moses gives the Israelites G-d’s instructions regarding vows and oaths. In Mas’ei, the Israelites prepare for change and a new life as they enter the Promised Land.

“When a person takes a vow…whatever leaves his mouth, he must do,” Numbers 30:3. Parshah Matot addresses the legal issue of nullification of vows. It states that a married woman can make a vow, but can be nullified by her husband, upon hearing it. If he delays in nullifying her vow immediately, it then becomes irrevocably binding. While disturbing a husband can override a woman’s vow according to the parashat, it is more interesting to know that he must act immediately or lose his power. Once a husband knows his wife’s vow and does nothing, he becomes an active participant in her oath. This begs the timeless question, when do we get involved?

The answer given by the Talmud is that “silence is like assent.” If we do nothing, we become allies to the offense. As we see recent reports of babies and children being separated from their families at United States borders, how many of us wrote to our government representatives? Did you visit the Religious Action Center’s website to be sure your congregation is part of URJ Immigrant Justice Congregation? Have we only wished for ”thoughts and prayers” for those affected by gun violence? Or have we shown action by marching in a rally, contacting our government officials, or even shown our women’s group or sisterhood the most recent May 2018 WRJ Women Act webinar about Gun Violence Prevention? By not opposing troubling issues publicly, we allow our silence to speak louder than using our voice. Silence is assent.

In Parshah Mas’ei (Numbers 33:1 – 36:13), we find the Israelites on their final journey into the Promised Land, amid the ultimate transition to their new life. “These were the marches of the Israelites who started from the land of Egypt, troop by troop, in the charge of Moses and Aaron. Moses recorded the starting points of their various marches as directed by the Lord…,” Numbers 33:1-2. There are several extra verses detailing the travels of the Israelites, highlighting their challenges and faith.

As we begin a new sisterhood year, it’s important to take note of where we’ve been to have a clear idea of where we’re going. Just like Moses, have we “marked” all of the highlights from the previous year? What did our women’s group/sisterhood accomplish? What would you like the group to accomplish in the coming year? How do we even find those volunteers and new members to reach our goals? We ask!

A favorite gem of sisterhood knowledge comes from my mentor, WRJ President Susan Bass. Break down every job you have for every event or activity and write it on a notecard. Women are more willing to take a small job that introduces them to sisterhood, than the call asking them to be Vice President after attending their first meeting! We must engage new women personally and encourage current board members to attend leadership conventions this Fall to sharpen their skills for future positions. The time is now to start envisioning what you want your sisterhood to look like a year from now. Let’s mark where we’ve been, use our voice and be the change that sees our sisterhoods into the future. Stronger together.

Jennifer Daley is First Vice President of WRJ Southwest District and a WRJ Board member. She is sisterhood past President of Congregation Beth Shalom, Arlington TX and Congregation Gates of Prayer, Metairie LA.