VOLUME 106 NUMBER 5
Sivan 27, 5783
June 16, 2023
PARSHAS SHELAC H
Candlelighting Time 8:12 PM 

Although the Golden Calf remains an ignominious blemish on our resume, nonetheless, the debacle of the spies certainly left an indelible historical blotch. We were poised to enter into the Land of Israel and it is clear from the Midrashim that we would not have even needed weaponry to dispatch the enemy from the land. Our entry was imminent and we would have merited building the Beis Hamikdash and settled in the land with tremendous glory and eminence. That vision was shattered when the spies came back and ruined the mood of the nation, causing them to despise the Land of Israel and creating a barrier between the people and Hashem. What an incredible tragedy and loss for many generations to come. As we know, the destruction of the two Batei Mikdash occurred on the date when the spies triggered calamitous lamentation and widespread disbelief in Hashem. Their report absolutely trounced any desire to enter into the land and terminated an entire generation that met their end in the sands of the desert.

Clearly noticeable is that Kalev did not dispute the problems that the spies presented. He simply stated we will ascend to the land and inherit it and we will be capable of entering and capturing it. Chasam Sofer explains the double language that Kalev used. First of all, he questions why did Sichon leave the protection of his fortified cities and wage battle against the nation without his fortifications to protect him? However, it was due to the unwavering faith that the people had in Hashem realizing that whatever they do, following His dictate will be successful. Therefore, our trust in Hashem precipitated the action of Sichon to vacate his secure position and wander out seeking his own destruction without realizing the folly of what he was doing! The Land of Israel has inherent sanctity and when we honor and safeguard that potential, then we have the merit to possess the land and other unsuitable nations are expelled. In a similar vein, when the sea blocked our passageway when we left Egypt, Nachshon was determined to wade into the water and he knew that Hashem would grant him the ability to forge through that barrier despite the risk of drowning and not reaching the other side. However, his faith coupled with his determination worked in sync to produce one of the greatest miracles of all time, the splitting of the Sea.           

As aforementioned, the land itself worked in tandem with the nation and ousted the people that lived in Israel. K’sav Sofer adds that although the spies were the leaders of the various tribes and they trembled at the thought of fighting such a war, Kalev responded that Moshe, the ultimate leader of the generation would continue to lead them as he had done in the past and in his merit due to his eminence and closeness to Hashem, they would successfully defeat the enemy. In the final analysis, even though battling against our adversaries was necessary, the true advantage that we possessed was our inimitable faith in Hashem and the sanctity of our leaders and that of the Land of Israel. 

Meshech Chochma concludes with a profound message. Moshe’s leadership hinged upon the imminence between Hashem and the nation. Therefore, Kalev reinforced their belief in themselves with the realization that the leaders of the nation are only as powerful and effective as the nation itself. Bearing that in mind, he buttressed their resolve to contend with any challenges they would encounter upon entering into the land. As opposed to the other spies remarks that the situation is too difficult and beyond their capacity, Kalev dispelled that notion and strengthened their tenacity to following Hashem’s will and then they would successfully defeat their rivals.  

A BYTE FOR SHABBOS

One who degrades Hashem is liable for the terrible punishment of Koreis, being severed from Hashem for all eternity. Our responsibility is to honor Hashem even at the expense of our own honor’s disgrace. 

CHOFETZ CHAIM

GOOD SHABBOS