Weekly Sidra: Matot (Tribes)
Torah Portion: Bamidbar/ Numbers 30:2-32:42
Haftorah: Yermiyahu / Jeremiah 1:1-2:3

The word of the HaShem came to me: Before I created you in the womb, I selected you; Before you were born, I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet concerning the nations. (Jeremiah 1:4-5)

This week we read Parashat Matot (Tribes).  This reading is usually paired with Masei (Journeys), but not this year.  The Torah portion of Matot deals with the importance of keeping our word before both God and man.  We must be ready to keep our promises and do what we say we will do.

The Haftarah portion in Yerimiyahu also confirms this principle.  HaShem tells Yeremiyahu that he has been selected and consecrated to be a prophet to the nations.  This was role was bestowed on him even prior to his birth.  The same can be said of each and every one of us.  We all have a calling on our lives from HaShem.  This calling has been given to us from before the day before we were born.

Now, how do we find our calling in life?  It may not come from a bolt of lightning or the booming voice of God like in the movie The Ten Commandments.  Here are some suggestions on finding your calling in life.

Pray!  Duh! That sounds simple right?  However, how often do we really pray?  How often do we cry out to HaShem with our whole being earnestly seeking His face?  We may find for example that we need to do Teshuva (Repentance).  There may be a sin which is blocking us from reaching our full potential.  This could be a sin against God, another person, or even us. (Calling ourselves stupid or worthless is also a sin).

One should make time to read the Scriptures.  The Torah is our instruction manual from HaShem, so read it.  As you read ask HaShem to give you a passion for Torah and ask Him to give you a passion for life.

Make your life simple and do not try to complicate things.  For example, if you are married and have kids, then ask HaShem to make you a better spouse or a better parent.  Ask HaShem to make you a better worker, etc.  For all these things parent, spouse, co-worker are all things that HaShem has called us to be.

Use the gifts and the talents that God has given you.  If you can sing then sing.  If you can write then write.  Don’t try and do things that do not come naturally to you.  For example, I will never be a great painter because God just has not given me that ability.  However, I write because that is how He has blessed me. 

If we are faithful with what God has already given us (spouse, kids, job), then He will continue to bestow bigger and higher callings on our lives.