This week we read two parashot—sections: Matot and Masei (Tribes and Journeys). Most years these sections are read together, while some years they are read separately. Beyond that, because of the nature of the Torah (whose name comes from the word hora'ah—teaching), the fact that these two parashot are read together most years indicates that they have a relationship, and that from this relationship we can draw a lesson. That is to say, not only is the conceptual content of the Torah a lesson for life, but also the order of its components, the relationship between them, and the time of year when they are read publicly in synagogues (among other things) are also lessons for life.
In our case, as mentioned, the first section is called Matot, which is contextually translated as tribes, but literally means staffs. The concept of a staff is that it is hard and firm, and the form of service to God in the form of a staff is the strength with which a person sustains and maintains their position.
The second section is called Masei, Journeys. The Torah recounts the journeys the Jewish people undertook in their exodus from Egypt to the Land of Israel. This symbolizes, in the service of God, the constant journey of ascent (from Egypt, the most wicked place on earth, to the Promised Land) throughout a person's life.
Furthermore, the Torah says (Numbers 33:1), "These are the journeys of the Jewish people who came out of the land of Egypt." Leaving Egypt requires only one journey; the rest are merely journeys in the desert. So why does the Torah say "the journeys" in the plural, "who came out of the land of Egypt"? Because one is always in a constant process of leaving Egypt, a constant advance toward the Final Redemption. Until the Messiah comes, we are still in exile! It is true, a more refined and subtle level of exile, but exile nonetheless.
Connecting the two sections, we arrive at a very interesting equation: strength and firmness (Matot) in constant progress (Masei). There are times in life when one "slackens" in this progress, when one is on a plateau with a very slight upward slope. That is why these two parashot come and tell us that we must always maintain the pace of growth, with firmness and power; we must not slacken, because we are still in exile. All the spiritual work of numerous generations is very valuable, but we have not yet achieved the Final Redemption with the coming of Messiah.
Especially during these special days when we remember the destruction of the Temples, these parashot strengthen and energize us. Let's not falter in the final stretch!