The Sedra Maasei 5782

This week we find ourselves in Parshat Maasei. The Torah is often viewed as a book of laws, yet it begins with stories of creation and the patriarchs. This week, we open with what seems to be a dry, repetitive list of forty-two stops the Jewish people made in the desert. While it may appear superfluous at first glance, the Rambam teaches us in his Guide for the Perplexed that these details are essential. Miracles are easily believed by those who witness them, but future generations may grow skeptical. By documenting every specific location in this desolate wilderness, the Torah provides an eternal record of the greatest miracle: our survival for forty years in a land of serpents and drought. These details prove that our history is true and bolster our commitment to God’s mitzvot. We truly see that the essence of our faith is found in the details. Shabbat Shalom.