If you have visited Israel, you most probably have been “greeted” by a native or two with an abrupt “zuz!” – which roughly translates as “move!” People in Israel tend to be in motion. Is this unique to sabras or is this a global Jewish trait?
This week on Shabbat we will complete the fourth book of the Torah – Bamidbar – by reading the last two parshas Matot and Masei. The final parsha opens with a discussion of the forty-year sojourn of the Israelites in the wilderness prior to their entry to the Promised Land.
Providing a detailed accounting of the forty-two locations they camped along the way, Moses begins with the statement “These are the journeys of the Children of Israel.” If the subject matter is a list of encampments, why would they be titled journeys? Equally puzzling is that every destination is preceded with the refrain “And they traveled and they camped.” It would seem obvious that each destination was preceded by a trip. Why is there a need for the Torah to emphasize the journeys?
The Baal Shem Tov teaches that the 42 journeys that constituted the national itinerary of the Jewish nation following their redemption from Egypt are reflected in the personal life of every Jew for eternity. Why are they called journeys? Life is compared to climbing a steep mountain. Failure to continuously ascend inevitably results in a descent.
By referring to every destination in the desert as a journey, the Torah teaches the secret of Jewish success: Keep moving. No matter the magnitude of your past accomplishments, pausing in the spiritual journey is not an option. One must be ready to continue marching forward to achieve bigger and better.
At times the journey of better development may cause temporary discomfort and inconvenience. For many months the parking arrangements at the El Paso International Airport have been pathetically inadequate due to construction. Now, the new beautiful car rental facility is a fitting way to welcome visitors to our wonderful city. It is now common to hear of grand new projects intended to enhance our city’s quality of life. Although the road to the realization of these projects may be fraught with temporary inconvenience, this is a journey we must be willing to constantly travel for a better future.
The Rebbe would teach, directly and by way of example, that Jewish success is achieved through constant movement and ascent. Every Torah lesson should be followed by another and every mitzvah observed will inevitably lead to more and more.
Zuz! Move! It’s not an Israeli thing – it’s a Jewish thing.