Masei, מַסְעֵי   "Journeys"  Numbers 33:1-36:13

Prepare For The Third Day

Poetic notes on the parashat Masei * 

(while looking back into parashah Matot)

G-d told Moshe:   

"Prepare for the third day"   

It will carry you   

on the forty-two journeys   

along your way   

There is a way that seems right   

but it leads to the second way   

the way of death   

Then there is the third way   

that changes death into life   

On the third day   

Moshe received the third way    

Walk with the tsitsit of Torah   

through the standing waves  

Neither death nor Jordan waters  

will defeat you  

Come see the sounds  

and hear the sights!  

Come enter the Land of Shavuot!   

Every tribe of Israel   

is a keeper of prayer  

Every tribe of the earth   

is put in their care   

Each boundary they frame   

reveals G-d's name    

Come into the grand city of refuge     

There is an eastside and a westside   

A place on either side of the gate for you    

This is the gate of the third way  

The twelve gates built on the third day  

Bring your broken hearted   

and your shattered ones  

Bring your children who were stolen 

Bring your elders who were cast aside   

and your failed groom and your lonely bride   

Come to the grand city of refuge   

There is healing there 

An angel of hope will lead you there   

A daughter of Zion will be your nurse   

*Incorporating reflections on an article by Rabbi Tvi Freeman on  3,333 Years Since the Ten Commandments.