The Haftarah for Parashat Matot-Masei

The Haftorah is read from the book of Yirmiyahu (Jeremiah) 2:4-2:8; 3:4; 4:1-2

The story line of this week's Haftarah: (2:4-13) Jeremiah begins this week’s Haftorah by telling Israel that they have abandoned Hashem. The prophet asks on behalf of Hashem "What wrong did your ancestors find in me that they have abandoned me?" The Jewish people didn't say "Where is Hashem who took us out of the land of Egypt, and brought us safely through the desert, into a country with farmland that produced all the food and wealth we needed?" The Kohanim didn't say, "Where is your G-d?" The Prophets prophesied via Ba'al (a Cananite Pagan deity) false information. Hashem is asking, "What is going on here? Did everyone forget our agreement?” Hashem then continues and says "Go look around, has any nation ever exchanged a living G-d for a false G-d?" Jeremiah warns the Israelites that they have committed two great sins against Hashem. First they have abandoned Hashem and second they are worshipping idols. Jeremiah Warns the Jews that they will be severely punished. (2:14-19) He says that it is their own fault that they are being punished. Instead of relying on Hashem, you are relying on the Egyptians and the Assyrians for help. You will be in for a big surprise when they don't come and help you when you need them. You Will Be Punished For Your Sins of Unfaithfulness. (2:19-28) Israel, you told me that you would be faithful, but you're not. You worship in the Valley of Hinnom the G-d of Molech doing child sacrifices. Hashem says, "Stop looking around for allies to save you. Jeremiah warns the house of Israel, their kings, nobles, priests and prophets, that they will be ashamed like a thief that is caught. They talk to the wooden idols as is if they can hear them and they relate to stone as if they gave birth to them, while they turned their backs to me. Yet in their hour of disaster they come to me and say "Save us." Judah's Insincere Repentance (3:1-4) now where are your Gods you made for yourself? Let them now come and save you in a time of disaster. As always the Haftorah ends on a happy note. Hashem's Response (4:1) Hashem says "If you Israel, return to me and remove your abominations from before me, and you do not waver, if you swear “as Hashem lives in truth, justice and righteousness" the nations of the world will bless themselves by you and praise themselves through you.

The connection between this week's Parasha and the Haftara: Why do we read this Haftorah? This Haftorah is the second of the three Haftorahs before Tishah Be'av that are called the Telasa Dephuranusa - the three of affliction. We read this passage because it explains about the affliction that Jeremiah prophesies regarding the destruction of Jerusalem and the Holy Temple because of the sins of Israel.

Haftorahman's Lesson of the week: It is normal for us to react quickly when there is an emergency. However once things are back to normal, how many of us make an effort to discuss problems or areas of weakness unless the situation blows up again. We should be aware that Hashem is letting us do what ever we want to do, good or bad. What we must remember as Jews, is that we are accountable for our thoughts, words and actions. Hashem has been very patient with regard to our own tolerance for spiritual mediocrity. Why are we waiting for Hashem to blow up at us? Is it only then that we will do what we agreed to do? We should avoid this behavior and learn from our ancestors' mistakes. We should do our best to do what we said we were going to do and avoid paying stiff penalties.

Timeline: 2650 years ago

Map: The Haftorah takes place in Jerusalem

Written by: The Haftorahman - Reuven Gavriel ben Nissim Ebrahimoff 5762-2002

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