Parshat Matot / Num. 30:2 - 32:42
What do we do with the parts of the Torah that disturb us, that shock us, that push us to want to close the holy book in sheer disgust? For me, such a passage occurs in this week’s portion. The Israelites are camped on the east side of the Jordan, preparing to enter the Land of Israel and bring their 40-year trek to an end. But first God commands Moses: “Avenge the Israelites people on the Midianites; then you shall be gathered to your kin.” (Num. 31:2)