This week we will read a combined Torah portion. The first is called Matot, the second is called Masei. Matot, at least in the context of this passage, means tribes. But mateh also means a stick. Matot means sticks, plural. Masei means journeys. The Torah delineates the forty-two journeys our ancestors took during their forty years in the desert.

Sticks and journeys. On the surface, they are unrelated, and perhaps even opposites. A stick is firm and unyielding. Journeys are all about flexibility. We don’t remain in place; we grow and change. Yet, the portions with these two names are combined in this week’s reading and there must be a lesson here.

A stick is a metaphor for discipline. Most problems in life can be corrected with a healthy dose of discipline. If we slack off, we can give ourselves a firm talking to and administer a dose of discipline. That will get us back on track. If we are not feeling well but too lazy to go to the doctor, our spouse can deliver a well-aimed rebuke, and we will be off and running. If we overspend on a shopping spree, we can discipline ourselves and return unnecessary purchases. If we are out shopping, we can give ourselves a stern lecture and rein in the spending. Much can be accomplished with a stick.

It cuts even deeper. If we tend to lash out at people and say mean things, we can reflect at the end of the day and give ourselves a stern lecture. Tomorrow, regardless of the trigger, we will speak politely. If we belittle people or dismiss their ideas, we can force ourselves to act respectfully. If someone asks us for a handout and we don’t feel like giving it, we can use the stick to make ourselves share.

The Inner Narrative
The stick, however, has its limitations. It can be very effective in governing the way we think, talk,........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)