Matot-Masei
What happens when we deny the simple pleasures of the world?
Reflection by Rabbah Dr. Mira Neshama Weil
"Parashat Matot opens with the laws regarding vows (nedarim); `If a man makes a vow to the Lord or makes an oath to prohibit himself, he shall not violate his word` (Numbers 30:3)
By doing so, the text teaches that our intentionality matters: we have the power to limit ourselves.
Is this only a good thing?
In his commentary on the parsha, the early Hasidic Master the Meor Einayim reminds us of one particular type of vow, the Nazir. The Nazir is one who decides to restrict themselves for a fixed period of time. During this ascetic time, they abstain from partaking of worldly pleasures such as products from the vine.
In some senses, this is praiseworthy. When on retreat, or when leading a strong contemplative lifestyle, we live more simply, intentionally abstaining from many of the delights of the world. And within that austerity, we can find so much delight.
Yet, when their vow comes to an end, the Nazir is instructed to bring a sin offering. `For the distress he caused himself`, the Talmud adds, `by restraining` (Taanit 11 a).
The implication is that, while there is much that is noble in the Nazir’s pursuit, the Torah and the Talmud assume that at some point in that process, the Nazir mixed-up sacred austerity with self-punishment.
And so, in the Jewish tradition, such restrictions are meant to be temporary.
Physical pleasures, the Meor Einayim reminds us, come from a divine source: `there is nothing in the world that doesn’t have a holy spark within it.`
One of the ways we meet this holiness is through our mutual physicality.
When we fall into denying ourselves even the simple pleasures of the world, we are, in a sense, going against the divine will.
As we are embarking in the `three weeks`, a period of restriction by which we progressively enter a state of mourning culminating with Tisha B’Av, may we remember that crying for loss and brokenness isn’t self-punishment. It is tending to our wounds.
And when this period will be over, we will go back to enjoying sensual pleasure, towards dancing for Tu B’av, the holiday of love.
Mindfulness is our road companion throughout all these phases: the self-discipline, the mourning, the consolation, the pleasure. It is all about staying present and honoring each of these moments for what it is."