Mas'ei Portion

This week's Torah Portion is that of Mas'ei (journeys of Israel). In it, the Torah details the 42 journeys of the Israelites in the desert. It is funny, because this Portion is the one Portion I think of almost everyday. The reason for it is that many streets in the area where I live are named after these journeys - the places where Israel stopped before they continued on their journeys. Places like Di-Zahav, Etzion Gaver, Yam Suf, Paran - are all stops on the way of the Israelites in the desert, but are also landmarks in my daily walks. It is so nice to be living in an area in which all the stops of the Israelites in the desert appear on street signs. It really connects one to the Torah, and to our national history. Many commentators find deep meanings in the names of those stops - and it's beautiful to read. But the most important question is: Why does the Torah detail all the stops that the Israelites do in the desert? After all, we have already read about them in previous chapters.
The Ramban (a famous Torah commentator, and generally my favorite one of all) said that it was simply to emphasize the length of the journey in the desert. People think that it is a short distance between Egypt and Israel. They are right. But it isn't short if, instead of going in a straight line, you have to zig-zag from point A to point B to point C in a very interesting non-straight line, and stay a while in each stop.

Since they were leaving places and staying in places by G-d's sign - I think that it emphasizes the fact that G-d was constantly with them, guiding them, even when they got to places in which they did horrible things - He kept guiding them and supporting them, like He does with each of us. In our lives as well, G-d shows us the way, guides us, shows us where to go and what to do. The problem is that most of us don't see and don't understand G-d's 'language', His 'signs'. I remember times in my life that I felt that He was guiding me, but it was such an irrational feeling, something that the secular world in which I lived never talked about or recognized, that I ignored it, very sadly. I often wish I could go back and follow G-d's guidance in the most critical years of my life. Everything would have been much better then. But I try to do it now, as much as I can, and I feel so awed when I feel that I'm guided - it is such an amazing feeling that this human being who is me, housed in a body of flesh and blood - is helped by the Eternal One up high. It is humbling. Anyway, the good news is that He is with us. And eventually, He would lead us, and all of humanity, to Redemption.
This week on Thursday was the passing date of a very special, holy and important person whom I would always admire - Chiune Sugihara - a Japanese diplomat who saved thousand of Jews in WWII. He sent them on a journey to life, and paid a dear price for it - but I'm sure he will be rewarded eternally for his heroism and righteousness. It is so nice to know that there are such good people in the world. He passed away on July 31st, 1986. Like him there are a few other diplomats who helped Jews and I feel a debt of gratitude to each of them, and to G-d for placing them there at such a time.
July 31st is also meaningful to me because a terrorist went into the Hebrew University on Mt. Scopus and bombed the Frank Sinatra cafeteria during rush hour there. Nine people were killed there, some students, some university workers. It is so sad. Near this place there is a monument today - a tree that is planted in what looks like a huge pot, but the pot looks as if it has fallen. Yet, the tree still grows and strives upward. It is very symbolic - despite the loss and tragedy, despite the evil - life goes on and strives upwards.
This is going to be short today. So much more to write, but Shabbat is just around the corner, and I have to get ready.

Shabbat Shalom!