BackDo We Have Our Priorities Straight?
By: Rabbi Barak Bar-Chaim
The tribes of Gad and Reuven saw that the land east of the Jordan River was perfect grazing land for their numerous livestock. They asked Moses if they could settle that land. In their approach to Moses, they state: “We will build sheepfolds for our livestock here and cities for our children,” and they agree to help the Jewish people conquer the land before returning to their families residing east of the Jordan River. Moses responds: “So build yourselves cities for your children and enclosures for your sheep, and what has proceeded from your mouth you shall do.”
Note that the tribes of Gad and Reuven mention providing for their livestock before their children. Moses changes the order and speaks of them making provisions for their children before making provisions for their livestock. Rashi points out that Moses deliberately switches the order and effectively communicates to them: You were more concerned for your financial estate than you were for your children! Your priorities are incorrect. Your first priorities should be your family and not your livestock!
The tribes of Gad and Reuven showed tremendous virtue by committing to lead the war effort and only return to their home after the entire nation is settled in Eretz Yisrael. Nonetheless, Moses sees a weakness in them—on some level they are overly attached to their physical possessions. Their attachment to their monetary assets leads them to skewed life priorities.
This is a life lesson for all of us, especially in our times. So much emphasis is placed on finances, assets, careers, and wealth. Our society largely defines success as the accumulation of monetary wealth. It is, therefore, no wonder that one of the leading causes of suicide is financial distress. Although money is important, finances matter, and careers are important, we need to keep in mind that our families and spiritual endeavors are far more important. Let us absorb this and get our priorities straight. Our families and spiritual endeavors must be primary in our consciousness, financial matters are important but secondary.