Matot/Masai

THE BIG IDEA

When we close a book of Torah or a moon cycle, as we are this week, it is a good time to find places in your own life that are ready for closure. 

Accept the power of your words, and your ability to make a vow is spiritually binding – (and to do your best to limit the vows you make).  

See the purification process for materials as a metaphor for our own soul process of purification. (When something is forged in fire - it is purified in fire, when we transgress with passion, we must purify ourselves with equal passion). 

And as we move from Tammuz into Av, focus on adjusting the places that draw you down and out of a state of connection with these tools of consciousness: When you find yourself falling off in thought or action, (if you see yourself going back to an old thought pattern or behavior)  - see the 6 cities of refuge discussed at the end of the book of Bamidbar as a metaphor for the 6 constant mitzvot as a safe refuge you can run to at any time to fill yourself with divine light and protection. 

1- To Know there is a G-d

2- To Know there is none other 

3- To Know there is only ONE (as in Shemah Israel…Hashem Echad)

4- To Love G-d

5- To Be Aware of G-d constantly (Yirah)

6- Not to stray after the wanderings of your heart and eyes. (away from your awareness of the divine)