Matot - Massei
50/50
Following the resounding military victory against the nation of Midyan, our Parsha describes how the spoils of war were to be divided: "Divide... equally between the soldiers that went out to battle and the entire congregation" (Bamidbar 31:27)
Although mathematically, this gave a far larger share to the soldiers; as together they totaled 12,000, a much smaller number than the entire nation. Still, there is something important to be learned from this initial 50/50 division.
The Abarbanel notes that this method of division sheds light on the Jewish approach to battle. Yes, only one thousand people from each tribe were allowed to actually go out to battle physically, but the results, the complete and total victory, was very much a group effort.
While only a small percentage of the nation was charged with being at the battlefront, the rest of the nation was to pray for their safety and success; which in the larger picture was of equal importance.
This is why the Abarbanel says the initial division of the spoils was also split this way, indicating that for the people to be successful physically, the spiritual side must be in place.
In this vein, we find this idea reflected in the Talmud's view of King David and his general Yoav. The Talmud says that without King David's Torah study, Yoav (David's general) could not succeed at battle; and without Yoav securing the nation, King David could not study Torah.
For the Jewish people to succeed as a nation, we need to act in tandem and as a unit, realizing how each person's role compliments the other.
The Lubavitcher Rebbe points out that while perhaps physically not every person can do the same job, spiritually, each person possesses both components.
For each of us to succeed at perfecting and transforming the world around us, the "Yoav" element within, we also need to focus on the "David" part, our connection to G‑d through Torah. It is this way, through equal distribution of our energy and focus, that we fulfill our mission from G‑d, beautifully and perfectly balanced.
Shabbat Shalom!
Portuguese Jewish history is a rich tapestry of accomplishment and challenge spanning the centuries. Portugal's shores have produced and housed some of our greatest Rabbis and leaders. From statesman, leader and scholar Rabbi Don Yitzchak Abarbanel to Shulchan Aruch author Rabbi Yosef Karo in the 15th century through to the Lubavitcher Rebbe's time in Lisbon in 1941, Portugal has enabled tremendous developments in strengthening community and Torah.
It is in recognition of the timeless nature of these commitments, and in honor of all of those Jews who have called Portugal home through times of brilliance and darkness, that these Torah insight's from Portugal's great Rabbis is produced - here in Portugal.
Special thanks to Rabbi Shlomo Pereira for the Portuguese translation.