Zohar Summarised By Torah Portion: Masei (Numbers 33:1–36:13)
Summary of the Torah Portion
“Masei,” the final portion of the Book of Numbers, recounts the journeys of the Israelites during their 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. It also contains laws concerning the boundaries of the Promised Land, the cities of refuge, and the inheritance of land by women. This portion marks a significant transition as the Israelites prepare to enter the land of Canaan, with a focus on their legal, territorial, and moral obligations in the land.
Key Themes and Events:
The Journeys of the Israelites:
- The portion begins by listing the 42 stops the Israelites made during their journey from Egypt to the borders of the Promised Land. This list serves as both a historical record and a spiritual reflection on the Israelites’ transformation during their time in the wilderness.
Command to Dispossess the Canaanites:
- God instructs the Israelites to drive out the inhabitants of the land of Canaan, destroy their idols, and demolish their places of worship. The Israelites are warned that if they do not remove the Canaanites, these people will become “thorns in their sides” and lead them away from God’s commandments.
Boundaries of the Promised Land:
- The portion outlines the exact borders of the land that the Israelites are to inherit. These boundaries are meant to define the physical space where the Israelites will settle, ensuring that each tribe receives its allotted portion of land.
Appointment of Leaders for the Land Division:
- God instructs Moses to appoint leaders from each tribe to oversee the division of the land. Eleazar the priest and Joshua are designated to lead this process, ensuring that the land is distributed fairly among the tribes.
Cities of Refuge:
- The portion introduces the concept of cities of refuge, designated places where someone who accidentally kills another person can flee for safety. These cities provide protection from the avenger of blood until a fair trial can take place. The cities of refuge are meant to balance justice and mercy, ensuring that accidental killers are protected while allowing for due process.
Laws Concerning Murder and Bloodshed:
- The laws of murder are discussed in detail, emphasizing that intentional murder is punishable by death, while unintentional killing requires the killer to remain in a city of refuge until the death of the High Priest. No ransom or compensation can be accepted for murder, ensuring that justice is not perverted by wealth or status.
Inheritance Laws for Women:
- The portion concludes with a follow-up to the case of the daughters of Zelophehad, who had previously been granted the right to inherit their father’s land. However, concern arises that if they marry men from other tribes, their land will pass to other tribes. God commands that women who inherit land must marry within their tribe to keep the tribal inheritance intact.
The Zohar on Masei
The Zohar offers mystical insights into the journeys of the Israelites, the cities of refuge, and the laws of inheritance. It reflects on the spiritual significance of each of these events and laws, viewing them as part of a greater cosmic and spiritual journey.
The Forty-Two Journeys as Stages of Spiritual Growth
The Zohar interprets the 42 journeys of the Israelites as symbolic of stages in the soul’s spiritual development. Each journey represents a step in the purification and transformation of the soul, reflecting the challenges, growth, and progress that the Israelites experienced in their relationship with God.
The Zohar states:
“The 42 journeys are not merely physical stops in the wilderness but represent the spiritual journey of the soul as it ascends through different levels of purification. Each stage of the journey reflects a unique trial or challenge that refines the soul, drawing it closer to the divine. Just as the Israelites traveled through the wilderness, so too does the soul journey through the wilderness of this world, striving to reach its ultimate destination.” (Zohar III:255b)
This interpretation emphasizes that life is a spiritual journey, with each experience serving to elevate the soul and bring it closer to God.
The Cities of Refuge as a Metaphor for Spiritual Sanctuary
The Zohar views the cities of refuge not just as places of physical safety but as symbols of spiritual refuge. These cities represent the divine attribute of mercy, where the soul can find protection from the forces of judgment and retribution. The cities of refuge provide a space for the soul to repent and seek healing from spiritual transgressions.
The Zohar explains:
“The cities of refuge are reflections of the divine attribute of mercy, providing a safe haven for those who have erred. In the same way, the soul that has sinned unintentionally can seek refuge in the divine, where it is given the opportunity to repent and correct its mistakes. The cities are symbols of God’s willingness to forgive and shelter those who seek redemption, offering a place of safety where the soul can regain its spiritual footing.” (Zohar III:259a)
This teaching underscores the idea that divine mercy is always available to those who seek it, even when they have made mistakes.
The Spiritual Boundaries of the Promised Land
The Zohar interprets the physical boundaries of the Promised Land as reflections of spiritual boundaries that define the sacred space where the divine presence can dwell. These borders represent the limits of holiness within which the Israelites must live, and they also serve as a metaphor for the boundaries the soul must observe to maintain spiritual purity.
The Zohar teaches:
“The borders of the Promised Land are not just geographical lines but are spiritual boundaries that separate holiness from impurity. Just as the Israelites were instructed to stay within the physical borders, so too must the soul remain within the spiritual boundaries that protect it from the forces of impurity. The Promised Land is a reflection of the inner sanctuary of the soul, where the divine presence resides.” (Zohar III:261b)
This interpretation suggests that spiritual discipline and boundaries are essential for maintaining holiness in both the physical and spiritual realms.
Inheritance Laws as Spiritual Continuity
The Zohar reflects on the laws of inheritance, particularly the command that women who inherit land must marry within their tribe. This law is seen as a way to maintain spiritual continuity, ensuring that each tribe retains its unique spiritual mission and connection to the land.
The Zohar states:
“The inheritance of the land is a reflection of the soul’s connection to its spiritual heritage. The command that the daughters of Zelophehad marry within their tribe ensures that the spiritual legacy of each tribe remains intact. This teaches us that each soul has its own spiritual inheritance and mission, which must be preserved and passed on through the generations.” (Zohar III:263a)
This teaching highlights the importance of preserving spiritual identity and continuity, ensuring that each soul remains connected to its divine purpose.
Kabbalistic Interpretations
Various Kabbalists have expanded on the Zohar’s teachings on “Masei,” offering further insights into the mystical significance of the Israelites’ journeys, the cities of refuge, and the inheritance laws.
Rabbi Isaac Luria (the Arizal)
The Arizal teaches that the 42 journeys correspond to the 42-letter name of God, representing stages in the soul’s ascent toward spiritual perfection. Each journey purifies a different aspect of the soul, aligning it more closely with the divine.
“The 42 journeys correspond to the 42-letter name of God, representing the stages of the soul’s journey toward divine union. Each stop along the way purifies a different aspect of the soul, leading it closer to spiritual perfection and its ultimate reunion with the divine source.” (Arizal’s teachings)
Rabbi Moshe Cordovero (Ramak)
Ramak emphasizes the importance of the cities of refuge as symbols of repentance and spiritual healing. He teaches that these cities represent God’s compassion, offering a place for the soul to find shelter from judgment and an opportunity for redemption.
“The cities of refuge are places of healing for the soul, where the divine attribute of mercy prevails. They teach us that even when we err, God provides a way for us to find refuge and redemption, protecting us from the harshness of judgment and offering a path back to spiritual purity.” (Ramak’s teachings)
Rabbi Yehuda Ashlag (Baal HaSulam)
Baal HaSulam offers a psychological interpretation of the boundaries of the Promised Land, viewing them as reflections of the inner boundaries each person must set in their spiritual life. He teaches that maintaining clear spiritual boundaries is essential for personal growth and the protection of one’s soul from negative influences.
“The boundaries of the Promised Land represent the limits must set in our own spiritual lives. Just as the Israelites were instructed to remain within the borders of the land, each person must create clear spiritual boundaries to protect themselves from external negative influences. These boundaries help maintain a state of purity and focus on the divine path.” (Baal HaSulam’s teachings)
Conclusion
The Torah portion “Masei,” as explored through the Zohar and Kabbalistic teachings, offers profound insights into the spiritual journey of the soul, the concept of divine mercy, and the importance of maintaining spiritual boundaries and inheritance. The portion highlights the significance of every step in the journey toward spiritual growth and emphasizes the role of justice, mercy, and continuity in the life of the individual and the community.
Key Lessons from “Masei”:
- The Spiritual Journey: The 42 stops on the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness represent stages in the soul’s spiritual journey. Each stop is an opportunity for growth, transformation, and purification. Life itself is a continuous journey, and every challenge or trial can be a step toward greater spiritual understanding.
- Cities of Refuge and Divine Mercy: The cities of refuge are metaphors for divine mercy, offering a sanctuary for those who have erred. This teaches us that no matter the mistake, there is always a place of refuge in God’s compassion, where the soul can find healing and redemption.
- Spiritual Boundaries: The boundaries of the Promised Land reflect the spiritual boundaries necessary in life. Maintaining clear lines between holiness and impurity is essential for the soul’s protection and growth. In our own lives, setting boundaries helps us stay focused on our spiritual goals and protect ourselves from negative influences.
- Inheritance and Continuity: The laws of inheritance, especially concerning the daughters of Zelophehad, reflect the importance of spiritual legacy and continuity. Each person has a unique spiritual inheritance, and it is crucial to preserve and pass on this divine legacy to future generations, ensuring that the spiritual mission remains intact.
Through the teachings of Kabbalists like the Arizal, Ramak, and Baal HaSulam, “Masei” is understood as a portion that emphasizes the ongoing nature of the spiritual journey, the need for protection and mercy in the face of errors, and the importance of maintaining a clear spiritual identity. The portion calls us to recognize each step of life as a sacred stage in our journey toward divine union, urging us to preserve our spiritual inheritance while remaining focused on the boundaries that keep us connected to God.
