The portion of Shlach opens up with the Jewish people less than enthusiastic about going into Israel. They demand an advanced spying mission before the Jews "agree" to enter the land of Israel, and G-d is disappointed that the Jewish people are not more trusting. "Haven't I taken you out of Egypt with an outstreched arm? Have I not brought ten plagues upon the Egyptians? Have I not split the sea and delivered you from the Egyptian chariots of fire?"
The spies come back with a negative report and dampen the enthusiasm of the Jewish people for entering into the land, preferring to create a desert Diaspora, before even entering the land.
G-d tells Moses, "this unit is not yet prepared to appreciate the gift of Israel. They still have the taste of slavery in their mouths, and it doesn't mix well with the taste of freedom." You see, they were missing the basic element that exists in the psyche of every free man. Namely, that he is entitled to freedom, and needs merely to embrace it. After the civil war, many of the slaves preferred to continue their bondage, in its familiarity, than face the unknown as free men.
To be free means to feel free.
G-d tells Moses they will need more time, forty years, to wander in the wilderness and build up the desire to claim their ancestral home. Through this process they will acquire a passionate sense of ownership and attachment to the land, that will help navigate them through the challenges they will face along the way. Just read through the book of Joshua to get an idea of the complexity of that generation's unique struggles and the fortitude they displayed in achieving their objectives.
This week we found ourselves in the exact same predicament. The whole world is watching us to see how deep our commitment is. Do we feel that we have a right to be in Israel or not. Does this country mean something to us or not? Will we show cynicism, or will we show passion for what's ours?
I am proud to say, aside from some of the rather embarrassing, and sadly predictable editorials... the general response has been of a family coming together in solidarity and expressing its devotion and LOYALTY to our homeland. One particularly poignant image was that of a young sixteen year old marching fearlessly in the center of a typically hostile anti-Israel demonstration, and defending his country so eloquently to the media. When G-d looks down on that he says, "Wow, we could've used that spirit in the desert." Especially heartwarming was his response when asked what group he is affiliated with. He said, "I am affiliated with Judaism, and with Israel. That's it!"
In times like these we need to remind ourselves of the precious gift we have been given, that we even have an Eretz Yisroel. Let us not lapse into a desert of cynicism mentality.
Let us, together, show the world our love, passion and commitment to Eretz Yisroel. By coming together as one, we can combat the "Armada of hatred and violence" with our own flotilla of togetherness, love, and loyalty. In the merit of this week's parsha, may we, together with the blessings of Hashem, break through the blockade of hatred and anti-Israel sentiment, and sail our ship into Israel, every Jew from all four corners of the world, its proud and triumphant passengers.
Shabbat Shalom
Am Yisroel Chai
Sincerely,
Rabbi Yossi Lipsker
Chabad of the North shore
Random musings and reflections, jewish, spiritual, and otherwise...
