Love of the Land

For the week ending 26 July 2008 / 23 Tammuz 5768

The East Bank of the Jordan

by Rabbi Mendel Weinbach zt'l
Become a Supporter Library Library

With all the talk these days about the future of the West Bank (Judea and Samaria), we sometimes forget the history of the East Bank of the Jordan.

When we hear this week's Torah portion read in the synagogue we will be reminded that the Tribes of Reuven and Gad negotiated with Moshe for receiving their share of the land promised to the Jewish nation on the eastern side of the Jordan River which was the first area to be conquered.

These two Tribes and half of the Tribe of Menashe eventually settled in this area that was called Eiver Hayarden. This explains why geography books of generations ago identified this as Transjordan and today it is referred to as the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

© 1995-2024 Ohr Somayach International - All rights reserved.

Articles may be distributed to another person intact without prior permission. We also encourage you to include this material in other publications, such as synagogue or school newsletters. Hardcopy or electronic. However, we ask that you contact us beforehand for permission in advance at [email protected] and credit for the source as Ohr Somayach Institutions www.ohr.edu

« Back to Love of the Land

Ohr Somayach International is a 501c3 not-for-profit corporation (letter on file) EIN 13-3503155 and your donation is tax deductable.