Parshas Matos for Kids

פרשת מטות

The seriousness of a vow - a word given is a word kept. The war with Midyan, and the shevatim who ask to settle east of the Yarden and promise to cross over and fight first.

In a Torah Tale book, your own child is the hero of this story - drawn from their photo, on every page, in their own name. Written under rabbinical guidance with strict tznius, printed and shipped to your door in English, Hebrew or Yiddish.

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What happens in Parshas Matos

Parshas Matos opens with the laws of nedarim: when a person makes a promise, he must keep his word. Hashem then tells Moshe Rabbeinu to lead one last campaign against Midyan, who had tried to harm Bnei Yisrael, before he passes away. Rashi points out that although Moshe knew this would be his final task, he did it right away and with a full heart.

The shevatim of Reuven and Gad have many sheep and cattle, and they ask to live east of the Yarden where there is good grazing land. Moshe worries they do not want to help their brothers, but they promise to cross over and help conquer Eretz Yisrael first. Rashi notes that they spoke of building pens for their sheep before cities for their children, and Moshe gently corrected them: take care of your children first, and then your animals. Moshe agrees, and half of the shevet of Menashe joins them.

Lessons and middos for children

  • Keeping my word

    A promise is precious. When a child says they will do something, they try their best to do it.

  • Family comes first

    Moshe taught Reuven and Gad that children matter more than possessions. People are more important than things.

  • Helping my brothers

    Reuven and Gad promised not to leave the others alone. We help our siblings and friends finish their jobs too.

Questions for the Shabbos table

  1. What did the shevatim of Reuven and Gad ask Moshe Rabbeinu?
  2. Why did Moshe tell them to build for their children first?
  3. Can you remember a time you kept a promise even when it was hard?
  4. How can you help a brother, sister, or friend this week?

How your child steps into the story

Your child helps count the flocks of Reuven and Gad on the green hills east of the Yarden, and listens as Moshe Rabbeinu reminds them to care for their children first. The book ends looking ahead to Parshas Masei and the long list of journeys.