In this week’s parasha, at God’s behest, Moses sends leaders of the community to check out the land of Israel. Those sent are often called spies, but, the word for spies, “m’raglim”, individuals trained for such a venture, is not used. Instead, the word used is “anashim”, men, implying this was not an espionage mission, but a test of faith for the leaders who were sent. And it didn’t go well…
Of the 12 who were sent, one from each tribe, 10 came back freaked out by what they saw (fortified cities, perceived enemies of great stature) and convinced that the Israelites would not be up to the task of settling the land. The two who felt confident about the task ahead could not make headway in convincing the people of their point of view. Going forward to enter the land was just not going to be possible at this time. (Num. 13)
As we face a new future at Beth Hillel, it would be nice if we could send out emissaries to check out the path ahead, as in the Torah portion. But we learn from this story that the preview did more harm than good for our ancestors. Thirty-eight more years in the wilderness ensued. In truth, we can only face the future when it is upon us. We must have faith that we have prepared ourselves as best we can, you and I, for the future that lies ahead for each of us. Now we must step forward, without the preview, to this moment of transition and live in the liminal space that is upon us. It will be both challenging and enriching, I am certain. And we will all grow in the process. Behatzlacha u’verachot to us all. May it be a time of success and blessings.
-Rabbi Dena A. Feingold
Comments