leader from prime ministers to parents is conflict resolution. Yet it is also the most vital. Where there is leadership, there is long-term cohesiveness within the group, whatever the short-term problems. Where there is a lack of leadership where leaders lack authority, grace, generosity of spirit and the ability to respect positions other than their own then there is divisiveness, rancor, back-biting, resentment, internal politics and a lack of trust. Leaders are people who put the interests of the group above those of any subsection of the group. They care for, and inspire others to care for, the common good.
That is why an episode in this weeks parsha is of the highest consequence. It arose like this. The Israelites were on the last stage of their journey to the Promised Land. They were now situated on the east bank of the Jordan, within sight of their destination. Two of the tribes, Reuben and Gad, who had large herds and flocks of cattle, felt that the land they were currently on was ideal for their purposes. It was good grazing country. So they approached Moses and asked for permission to stay there rather than take up their share in the land of Israel. They said: If we have found favor in your eyes, let this land be given to your servants as our possession. Do not make us cross the Jordan (Num. 32: 5).
Moses was instantly alert to the danger. The two tribes were putting their own interests above those of the nation as a whole. They would be seen as abandoning the nation at the very time they were needed most. There was a war in fact a series of wars to be fought if the Israelites were to inherit the Promised Land. As Moses put it to the tribes: Should your fellow Israelites go to war while you sit here? Why do you discourage the Israelites from crossing over into the land the Lord has given them? (32: 6-7).
The proposal was potentially disastrous. Moses reminded the men of Reuben and Gad what had happened in the incident of the spies. The spies demoralized the people, ten of them saying that they could not conquer the land. The inhabitants were too strong. The cities were impregnable. The result of that one moment was to condemn an entire generation to die in the wilderness and to delay the eventual conquest by forty years. And here you are, a brood of sinners, standing in the place of your fathers and making the Lord even more angry with Israel. If you turn away from following him, he will again leave all this people in the wilderness, and you will be the cause of their destruction (Num. 32: 14-15). Moses was blunt, honest and confrontational.
What then followed is a role model in negotiation and conflict resolution. The Reubenites and Gadites recognized the claims of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks on Parshat Mattos the people as a whole and the justice of Moses concerns. They propose a compromise. Let us make provisions for our cattle and our families, they say, and the men will then accompany the other tribes across the Jordan. They will fight alongside them. They will even go ahead of them. They will not return to their cattle and families until all the battles have been fought, the land has been conquered, and the other tribes have received their inheritance. Essentially they invoke what would later become a principle of Jewish law: zeh neheneh ve- zeh lo chaser, meaning, an act is permissible if one side gains and the other side does not lose. We will gain, say the two tribes, by having land good for our cattle, but the nation as a whole will not lose because we will be in the army, we will be in the front line, and we will stay there until the war has been won.
Moses recognizes the fact that they have met his objections. He restates their position to make sure he and they have understood the proposal and they are ready to stand by it. He extracts from them agreement to a tenai kaful, a double condition, both positive and negative: If we do this, these will be the consequences, but if we fail to do this, those will be the consequences. He leaves them no escape from their commitment. The two tribes agree. Conflict has been averted. The Reubenites and Gadites achieve what they want but the interests of the other Shabbat Times
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Kiddush Is Sponsored By Great Neck Synagogue tribes and of the nation as a whole have been secured. It was a model negotiation.
Quite how justified were Moses concerns became apparent many years later. The Reubenites and Gadites did indeed fulfill their promise in the days of Joshua. The rest of the tribes conquered and settled Israel while they (together with half the tribe of Manasseh) established their presence in Trans-Jordan. Despite this, within a brief space of time there was almost civil war.
Joshua Chapter 22 describes how, returning to their families and settling their land, the Reubenites and Gadites built an altar to the Lord on the east side of the Jordan. Seeing this as an act of secession, the rest of the Israelites prepared to do battle against them. Joshua, in a striking act of diplomacy, sent Pinchas, the former zealot, now man of peace, to negotiate. He warned them of the terrible consequences of what they had done by, in effect, creating a religious center outside the land of Israel. It would split the nation in two.
The Reubenites and Gadites made it clear that this was not their intention at all. To the contrary, they themselves were worried that in the future, the rest of the Israelites would see them living across the Jordan and conclude that they no longer wanted to be part of the nation. That is why they had built the altar, not to offer sacrifices, not as a rival to the nations sanctuary, but merely as a symbol and a sign to future generations that they too were Israelites. Pinchas and the rest of the delegation were satisfied with this answer, and once again civil war was averted.
The negotiation between Moses and the two tribes in our parsha follows closely the principles arrived at by the Harvard Negotiation Project, set out by Roger Fisher and William Ury in their classic text, Getting to Yes. Essentially they came to the conclusion that a successful negotiation must involve four processes:
Separate the people from the problem. There are all sorts of personal tensions in any negotiation. It is essential that these be cleared away first so that the problem can be addressed objectively.
Focus on interests, not positions. It is easy for any conflict to turn into a zero-sum game: if I win, you lose. If you win, I lose. That is what happens when you focus on positions and the question becomes, Who wins? By focusing not on positions but on interests, the question becomes, Is there a way of achieving what each of us wants?
Invent options for mutual gain. This is the idea expressed halakhically as zeh neheneh ve-zeh neheneh, Both sides benefit. This comes about because the two sides usually have different objectives, neither of which excludes the other.
Insist on objective criteria. Make sure that both sides agree in advance to the use of objective, impartial criteria to judge whether what has been agreed has been achieved. Otherwise, despite all 26 Old Mill Road, Great Neck, NY 11023 (516) 487-6100 Shabbat Announcements Parshat Mattos 5774 apparent agreement the dispute will continue, both sides insisting that the other has not done what was promised.
Moses does all four. First he separates the people from the problem by making it clear to the Reubenites and Gadites that the issue has nothing to do with who they are, and everything to do with the Israelites experience in the past, specifically the episode of the spies. Regardless of who the ten negative spies were and which tribes they came from, everyone suffered. No one gained. The problem is not about this tribe or that but about the nation as a whole.
Second, he focused on interests not positions. The two tribes had an interest in the fate of the nation as a whole. If they put their personal interests first, God would become angry and the entire people would be punished, the Reubenites and Gadites among them. It is striking how different this negotiation was from that of Korach and his followers. There, the whole argument was about positions, not interests about who was entitled to be a leader. The result was collective tragedy.
Third, the Reubenites and Gadites then invented an option for mutual gain. If you allow us to make temporary provisions for our cattle and children, they said, we will not only fight in the army. We will be its advance guard. We will benefit, knowing that our request has been granted. The nation will benefit by our willingness to take on the most demanding military task.
Fourth, there was an agreement on objective criteria. The Reubenites and Gadites would not return to the east bank of the Jordan until all the other tribes were safely settled in their territories. And so it happened, as narrated in the book of Joshua:
Then Joshua summoned the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh and said to them, You have done all that Moses the servant of the Lord commanded, and you have obeyed me in everything I commanded. For a long time nowto this very dayyou have not deserted your fellow Israelites but have carried out the mission the Lord your God gave you. Now that the Lord your God has given them rest as he promised, return to your homes in the land that Moses the servant of the Lord gave you on the other side of the Jordan. (Joshua 22: 1-4)
This was, in short, a model negotiation, a sign of hope after the many destructive conflicts in the book of Bamidbar, as well as a standing alternative to the many later conflicts in Jewish history that had such appalling outcomes.
Note that Moses succeeds, not because he is weak, not because he is willing to compromise on the integrity of the nation as a whole, not because he uses honeyed words and diplomatic evasions, but because he is honest, principled, and focused on the common good. We all face conflicts in our lives. This is how to resolve them. Great Neck Synagogue Shabbat Activities Program 26 Old Mill Road, Great Neck , NY 11023 Dale Polakoff, Rabbi Ian Lichter, Assistant Rabbi Dr. Ephraim Wolf ,zl, Rabbi Emeritus Zeev Kron, Cantor Eleazer Schulman, zl, Cantor Emeritus Rabbi Sholom Jensen, Youth Director Zehava & Dr. Michael Atlas, Youth Directors Mark Twersky, Executive Director Rabbi Avraham Bronstein, Program Director Dr. Hal Chadow, President Harold Domnitch, Chairman of the Board Dena Block, Yoetzet Halacha 516-320-9818 GNS Yoetzet Halacha Dena Block welcomes your questions about mikvah, observance of taharat hamishpacha (halacha relating to married life) and women's health, as it connects to Jewish law. Reach out to her at: Phone: (516) 320-9818Email: gnsyoetzet@gmail.com All conversations/emails are strictly confidential THE LAWS OF THE THREE WEEKS
Beginning with the 17 th of Tammuz and continuing through the 9 th of Av is the period in the Jewish calendar known as The Three Weeks. These weeks correspond to the time when the walls of the city of Jerusalem were first breached until the burning and final destruction of the Temple. Accordingly, we relive this historical experience by adopting certain symbolic behavior commonplace to a state of mourning. As we approach that final destruction our symbolic mourning grows more pronounced. It is most intense on the day of Tisha Bav itself. Jewish Law and tradition have established a pattern of behavior for this period of the year. This pattern of behavior clearly parallels behavior during the period of mourning following the loss of a family member. The motivating idea behind this is that our emotions are often controlled by the things that we do and ultimately bring about a sense of mourning and loss. The extent to which we are able to follow these patterns of behavior will determine the extent to which we will experience the destruction of our Temple. Because of the historical implications of this time of year marriages are forbidden during the Three Week period. It seems that the prohibition stems not from the change in personal status, but rather from the celebration which is an intrinsic part of the marriage. Therefore celebratory parties would also be inappropriate during the three weeks. There are several different customs concerning listening to music during the three weeks. Although there is no prohibition to be found in the Shulchan Aruch, this is because music in general was frowned upon after the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash. Its prohibition during the three weeks might be seen as either an intrinsic part of our mourning for the Beit HaMikdash, or as an extension of the prohibition of celebratory events. Many permit music for a functional purpose, such as exercise or staying awake while driving (a good nights sleep is also recommended). Wearing of new garments which would require the blessing of shehecheyanu is avoided during the three weeks (buying them is permitted). This is because that blessing allowed us to reach this time, a blessing inappropriate for this time of national calamity. New fruits and the like whose eating would also require the blessing of shehecheyanu, are not eaten until Shabbat when a shehecheyanu may be recited. New clothing purchased during the week may also be worn on Shabbat. In keeping with the customs of mourning, hair cutting is avoided during the three weeks, and there are many who refrain from shaving as well.
Rosh Chodesh Av ushers in the period known as the nine days. Following the dictate of the Talmud which specifies that rejoicing is suspended when the month of Av begins, the eating of meat and drinking of wine are avoided during this time. In Jewish tradition meat and wine have always been associated with celebrations and therefore, with the exception of Shabbat or a festive meal associated with a mitzvah (Brit Milah, siyum, etc.), these foods are now avoided. Additionally the avoidance of meat and wine bring to mind the sacrifices which were ended with the destruction of the Temple. Of course, meat and wine are permitted on Shabbat. This applies even to kiddush being made when Shabbat is accepted early, and to havdala at the end of Shabbat. The custom is to either give the wine from havdala to a child who is not yet old enough to appreciate mourning, but old enough to require a bracha on the wine, or to use grape juice. The Shulchan Aruch records that bathing is prohibited during the nine days. Since this refers to a time when bathing was done at a bath house and took on certain elements of a social event, modern authorities permit washing for purposes of cleanliness. Showers during this time period should be shorter and cooler than usual. There are many people who avoid the pleasure of swimming during these nine days unless it is done for medical reasons or in order to remove perspiration or dirt. Freshly laundered garments should not be worn during the nine days. In keeping with the theme of increased mourning, the Shulchan Aruch prohibits building and planting for pleasure. This is understood today to refer to decorating (painting, wallpapering, etc.) and landscaping. Necessary house repairs and lawn maintenance are permitted.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Y A H R Z E I T
Saturday, 21 Tammuz Steven Blumner for Lillian Blumner Marc Gottlieb for Fanny Gottlieb Stuart Grant for Ada Auerbach Richard Lillien for Llewellyn Lillien Gloria Wang Miller for Fay Saltzman Ira Rosenberg for Gloria Rosenberg Devorah Wang for Fay Saltzamn Sunday, 22 Tammuz Arlette Shaya for Vita Dayan Monday, 23 Tammuz Lorraine Domnitch for Rosalind Mordkofsky Janet Greenhut for Kenneth Greenhut Pauline Levy for Carrie Joseph Tuesday, 24 Tammuz Norman Rutta for Abraham Rutta Sharon Twersky for Hannah Leff Wednesday, 25 Tammuz Steven Blumner for Malka Bat Yehiel Aaron J. Eliach for Meyer Eliach Marc Gottlieb for Shlomo Schwartzman Marc Gottlieb for Rachel Gottlieb Thursday 26 Tammuz Amy Goldberg-Reiss for Florence Reifle Janet Kashani for Abraham Ben Elyahoo Robert Mendelson for Walter Mendelson Friday, 27 Tammuz Eliot Heisler for Sharon Heisler Deborah Hollander for Sharon Heisler Leo R. Mindick for Joseph Mindick Leo R. Mindick for Shimshon Mindick Joseph Sokol for Sharon Sokol Heisler Mr. & Mrs. Martin H. Sokol for Sharon Heisler WITHIN OUR FAMILY MENS CLUB SUN. JULY 20:The bus trip to the Jewish Museum has been CANCELED.
SUN. AUG 17, 1:10 pm: Baseball: Jewish Heritage Day at Citifield. Mets vs Cubs. Details to follow. SUN. SEPT 14 10:00am: A breakfast and talk by Barry Libin, writer, composer, playwright and lyricist, on his new book, "The Mystery of the Milton Manu- script", with commentary by Larry Shiffman, who will also interview the author. Copies of the book will be available. All welcome. Mazal Tov to Karen Spitalnick on being elected as the National President of Emunah. Mazal Tov to Rabbi Dr. Stuart & Linda Grant on the birth of a granddaughter, born to their children Deena & Chaim Davis, in Boca Raton, Florida. Mazal Tov to Evelyn Henis on her grand- daughter Gabrielle Henis acceptance to Adelphi University School of Nursing and Public Health. REFUAH SHLEIMA IN OUR COMMUNITY In an effort to allow the community to reach out to our members who have had any medical issues that have precluded their coming to GNS, we will include a cor- ner in the Shabbat Announcements for any names to be distributed to the congregation. Of course, those who wish to keep any news confidential can continue to do so, without being included. Please inform us of any- one who should be included in this section of the an- nouncements. This section in our newsletter is to let people know that we are thinking of them even if they cannot be in Shul at this time and to encourage people to call, email or visit when appropriate. Names for a mishabayrach should continue to be given in Shul at time of davening and will not be listed in this section. COMMUNITY NEWS SISTERHOOD The Sisterhood will be having a Krav Maga class on Tuesday, July 29th at 7pm. Class is limited to the first 20 participants. Please RSVP to the shul office with a $12 check to insure your spot. At the door the cost will be $15. SAVE THE DATE Sunday Morning, September 21st will be the date to pack and deliver food for Rosh HaShana for PASS IT FORWARD for those in need! A Mitzvah Opportunity! JUNE CHESED COLLECTION THANK YOU We thank Steve Blumner and Jonny Ambalo for all your time and efforts to coordinate the GNS Chesed collection of shoes, eyeglasses and cell phones! Thank you to everyone who took the time to donate to make it a success! AUGUST CHESED To chair the August Chesed Drive: School Supplies, please contact Sharon Goldwyn or Mark Twersky. SUMMER LEARNING PROGRAM Tuesday, July 22, after Mincha, Rabbi Baruch Simon will be our next featured speaker during our Summer Learning Program.