Num. 13:1-15:41
Précis: Moses is ordered to “send out” (sh’lach l’cha) spies to examine the land. Representatives of each tribe go out, report on its bounty, but also report about its fearsome inhabitants. The People are frightened, and their “murmuring” turns into something close to panic. God tells Moses that He will destroy the People, but Moses intercedes; the People are sentenced to spend 40 years in the wilderness. The parasha then returns to matters concerning the Tabernacle, with a discussion of the offering for unintentional sins. Near its end, the parasha discusses the wearing of tzitzit.
Num.13:30 “Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, ‘We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.’”
Twelve spies had been sent out; ten of them reported that while the land indeed flowed with milk and honey, the cities were fortified, and the inhabitants were too fearsome to conquer. Only Caleb and Joshua believed in God’s promise that the Israelites would conquer the land despite fearsome obstacles.
The ability to overcome one’s foes is not merely a matter of power. It is girded by the spirit and belief in the righteousness of one’s cause. In the past two years, we have seen this spirit and belief displayed by the Ukrainians in their fight against Russia.
This week, we see it in the spirit and belief of Israel to defend itself from the threat of a second Holocaust perpetuated by Iran. Israel has demonstrated its spirit and belief in the righteousness of its cause in the face of a foe much larger, much wealthier, and far more populous. May its efforts reflect the bravery and ultimate success of Caleb and Joshua.
