Parashat Massei documents the entire route Klal Yisrael traveled, tracing back to the exodus from Egypt extending all the way until they reached the Jordan River, which borders the Promised Land.
אֵ֜לֶּה מַסְעֵ֣י בְנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל אֲשֶׁ֥ר יָצְא֛וּ מֵאֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרַ֖יִם לְצִבְאֹתָ֑ם בְּיַד־מֹשֶׁ֖ה וְאַהֲרֹֽן. וַיִּכְתֹּ֨ב מֹשֶׁ֜ה אֶת־מוֹצָאֵיהֶ֛ם לְמַסְעֵיהֶ֖ם עַל־פִּ֣י יְהוָ֑ה…
“These are the journeys of the Children of Israel, who went forth from the land of Egypt, troop by troop, under the charge of Moses and Aaron. Moses wrote their goings forth according to their journeys as directed by Hashem…” (Bamidbar 33:1-2).
The commentaries (1) question the necessity of making this entire record since these events have already been recorded in the Torah in their respective places. They all answer with absolute certainty that this full narration and list of events proclaim Hashem’s kindness and compassion for the Jewish people, showing, that even though it was decreed that they would wander in the Wilderness for 40 years, the people still enjoyed extended periods of rest along the way. Looking at the bigger picture enables one to effectively see how each event was significant and contributed to reaching the ultimate destination and goal, thereby perceiving God’s concern for Bnei Yisrael and full involvement within the entire process. Accordingly, with this outline of events, you are able to count a total of 42 encampments, which allude to the 42-lettered name of God. (2) Out of His abundant love for Klal Yisrael, Hashem sustained and ceaselessly performed countless miracles for them every step of the way. (3) From here, Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch zt”l mentions that although it’s crucial for one to maintain focus on a set goal, it’s incredibly important to also enjoy the process involved rather than only gaining satisfaction from the final outcome. Of course, this requires faith, patience, and the ability to live in the present. As the Sforno writes, it was only in the merit of Klal Yisrael’s faith in Hashem along the way that granted them the reward of entering the Holy Land of Israel.
To put things into perspective, let’s say someone wanted to look up a street view of a certain aesthetically nice city on Google Maps. Amongst the beautiful landscaping and architecture of this particular city, they will also most likely notice some bumps in the road and other random deformities. As they zoom out of street view and into a higher, more aerial view from above, those defects will begin to fade away. The more they zoom out, the more clarity and definition of that city they will attain. If they keep ascending upwards, they will eventually gain a satellite view of planet Earth from outer space and just see a beautiful and complete picture of the entire world. Everything has its place in the grand scheme of things.
Generally, the first question two people ask when they come across each other is “How are you doing?” Most respond by simply saying, “good” or “fine.” Instead, I think they should say, “I’ve never been better (Baruch Hashem)!” The reason why I believe this is more of a proper response is because no matter where one is in their life, they are exactly where Hashem wants them to be. Regardless of whether or not one currently feels like they’re succeeding or has met their personal aspirations, each stage of life has its place in building an individual into who they truly are to become, which is their greatest self. It’s very common for people to falsely think that only achievements are from Hashem while mistakes aren’t. (4) We obviously have to try our best, but at the end of the day, everything is from Hashem. All events, whether pleasing or challenging, can be subsequently viewed as learning experiences, sources of inspiration, and a way to develop one’s character. (5) Everything that occurs in your life happens for you, not to you. (6) As Rabbi Zelig Pliskin writes, “Just like a great painting is made up of all different types of strokes, no life situation is too mundane to be part of a life’s work of art.” (7)
Several years ago, Rabbi Reuven Feinstein שליט״א gave a shiur in Yeshivat Ohr Someyach and recommended two different exercises to those who wished to strengthen themselves in Torah observance and build a relationship with their Creator. One of which was to put extra intention and concentration on the morning Pesukei Dezimra prayers which deal with God’s full involvement in nature and His sustaining of the world. The second practice he advised was for everybody to keep a journal or diary where they should document every difficult circumstance or situation they encounter in their lives. After they’ve survived that certain difficulty, they should write down how Hashem got them through it. If another obstacle comes their way, they could look back at their journal and gain strength and faith in Hashem that everything will be okay. Actually, it won’t only be okay, things will be the best they’ve ever been! 😉
“Chazak! Chazak! Venitchazeik! (Be strong! Be strong! And may we be strengthened!)” (8)
1. Rashi, Abarbanel; (2) Tzror HaMor (brought in the Magen Avraham 428:8); (3) Rambam (quoted by the Ramban in Moreh Nevuchim); (4) The Garden of Emuna by R’ Shalom Arush; (5) “He (Hashem) never slumbers nor sleeps, the Guardian of Israel” (Tehillim 121:4), “Though I walk through a valley of deepest darkness, I fear no harm, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff—they comfort me.” (Tehillim 23:4); (6) Said Rabbi Yehoshua ben Chananiah: “Once a child got the better of me. I was traveling, and I met with a child at a crossroads. I asked him, ‘which way to the city?’ and he answered: ‘This way is short and long, and this way is long and short.’ I took the ‘short and long’ way. I soon reached the city but found my approach obstructed by gardens and orchards. So I retraced my steps and said to the child: ‘My son, did you not tell me that this is the short way?’ Answered the child: ‘Did I not tell you that it is also long?'” (Talmud, Eruvin 53b); (7) Begin Again Now by Rabbi Zelig Pliskin; (8) At the conclusion of each of the 5 books of the Torah, it’s customary for the congregation followed by the reader to proclaim this