Dvar Torah for Parshat Matos-Masei

Based on Likutey Moharan I, #40 and Rabbi Nachman's Wisdom #85

The opening verse of parshat Masei says, "Eileh (these) are the travels of the Jewish people..." (Numbers 33:1). The author of Eser Ma'amorot comments that "these" travels are an atonement for the sin of the golden calf about which it is written, "Eileh (these) are your idols, Jewish people..." (Exodus 32:8). Thus, explains Rebbe Nachman, when one travels it is because of his lack of faith. The reason is that lack of faith is the first step towards idolatry, the first step towards making a "golden calf."

You may be asking, "What sort of "idol" does anybody make nowadays? No one worships statues and such." Even though this is not 100% true, there is still an "idol" that almost everyone is guilty of bowing down to: MONEY. (In Likutey Moharan I, 23 Rebbe Nachman writes at length about money being inclusive of every form of idol worship.) So here, when he says that one's traveling indicates a lack of faith Rebbe Nachman is refering to traveling solely for the sake of making more money than one really needs.

In another vein, Rebbe Nachman was onced asked by one of his followers, an ordinary person, whether or not to go on a certain trip that he, the follower, was not enthusiastic about making. The Rebbe replied, "When one sees that he has a journey before him he should go. He should not stubbornly refuse to make the trip.

"For if a Jew is careful not to sin, he will certainly do many good things in the course of his travels. He will pray, make blessings before he eats, etc. He just has to take particular care not to sin."

The specific examples Rebbe Nachman gave are instructive. Prayer and blessings, which are in effect "mini-prayers," are expressions of one's faith in G-d. These expresions of faith when made during our travels prepare the way for G-d's homecoming. For we are not the only travelers. G-d, too, as it were, has been forced to leave His home, the Beit HaMikdash (Temple), and take to the road. Due to our idolatry. (See Isaiah 28:20 and Rashi's comment from our Sages.)

So when you're unsure about your travel plans, do as Rebbe Noson did and pray:

"G-d, have pity on me. Be with me constantly, when I'm home and when I travel. Teach me, guide me with Your truth, to know whether or not to travel; and if I should go, when and how; by what route and for how long? As the Jews in the desert 'encamped and traveled by the word of G-d,' so, may it be with me."

Gut Shabbos!