In this week's parsha, Matos, we learn about:

• The significance of our words- we should be very careful not to make promises. If we do make them, they are binding.
• The need for people to be treated equally - which is why those who fought in battle and those who remained behind were both given an equal share of the spoils.
• That people cannot evade punishment- since Bilam gets his comeuppance in this week's parsha.
• The laws of kashering- how to change an object to make it something one can use to eat or cook kosher food.
• The importance of not separating ourselves from the community, as the tribes of Gad, Reuven and part of Menashe ultimately did.