On the heels of commemorating the most singular heroic and daring journey and mission of Israel’s history – the Rescue at Entebbe, comes along the commemoration of a different and unique journey of the Jewish people as recorded in this week’s combined Torah portions of Matot–Masei. And in both instances the common denominators are the following:

 (1) the destination of each of the respective journeys is “HOME” to Eretz Yisrael – the land of Israel; and

 (2)  the message of honoring commitments is featured as a catalyst despite the hardships along the way

Two topics which epitomize the two points are Aliyah and marriage – each requiring dedication and commitment and continual revitalization.

Every year, when we read Matot and Masei together, I find myself reflecting on two of the greatest journeys of my own life.

One brought me physically home to Israel through Aliyah.

The other has become my life’s calling: helping couples via marriage education and enrichment to undertake their respective journeys with optimism and determination to establish and nurture true homes for the Jewish people.

I discuss both of these topics in an interview I gave as a guest on Lesley Kaplan’s Monday Motivation Spotlight Podcast Series, the links of which are below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_qAYxyZsS8

https://open.spotify.com/episode/4LTixR1T3UcqJgvNSTKNsI

Part One: Matot: Words and Commitments matter

The Torah portion of Matot opens with vows and the significance of honoring what vows we make even within the context of a marriage engagement and marriage – even for things considered inconsequential.........

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