Our world seems to be over burdened with feelings of great anxiety. I sense that one of the reasons may very well be because we are confused about what our priorities in life are. When we begin to focus on the important things, then we will be able to set forth our goals that will lead us on a journey in life that will bring greater serenity and much greater success. The question that needs to be answered is, "What are the priorities that will help us face our future with great optimism?"
The answer can be found in a dialogue between Moshe and the Shevatim of Reuven and Gad, that we will read in this week's Parsha, as the Jewish People are preparing to enter the promised land.
Reuven and Gad approached Moshe with the following request, "Since we have large herds and flocks which need good grazing fields, the land which we are on now is excellent for our flock."
גדרת צאן נבנה למקננו פה וערים לטפנו
"We shall build here sheep pens for our flock,and cities for our children".
Moshe replies, "You can stay here, on this side of the Jordan, but first you must come with us to conquer the land." After accomplishing this, Moshe says,
בנו לכם ערים לטפכם וגדרות לצנאכם
"Build for yourselves cities for your small children and pens for your flock".
In our discussion of priorities it is crucial to note the difference between Moshe and the two tribes in the order of the nouns. The Shevet of Reuven and Menashe put property and providing for their flock first, before people, before their children. However, when Moshe acquiesces to their request, he prioritizes by reversing the order and puts special emphasis on building and providing for the children first and only then to provide for their animal needs.
Rashi, emphasis this idea even further, and states, "The two Shevatim paid more regard to their property than to their sons and daughters."
It is to my dismay that very often within the context of our priorities in life, we put riches and honor, before faith and posterity. I am fearful that we are seeing this type of priority once again in our time and we need to reverse our entire agenda in life to determine all of our priorities by a single factor - to always put children and their education first.
In fact it is told that Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch, when he became Rabbi in Frankfurt, insisted that the community create a school, before building a synagogue.
"Priorities?" You may ask. Well these must be our priorities. I hear many complain about the high tuition, and it is a valid point which educators must look into more vociferously, but this must never be our excuse for denying our future generation - our children.
They are our investments for the future and they are the only guarantors for a glorious and productive future.
It is not what we own that gives a share in eternity, but only in those that will carry on our faith into the tomorrow.
May Hashem turn these days of mourning into days of Simcha and to be zoche to see the
ביאת גואל צדק.
שבת שלום ומבורך
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