In this week’s Torah portion, Shelach (Hebrew for “Send”), Moses sends 12 spies to explore the Land of IsIrael. Ten of the spies convince the people that it will be too difficult to conquer the land. God responds to their lack of confidence by punishing them with 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. God also commands the Israelites to put fringes on the ends of their clothing.

Reflecting on this week’s portion and why the people were punished, Mijal Bitton, spiritual leader, scholar, and author, shares, “Instead of thinking, We can do hard things because God is with us, they thought, We should let God do everything—because we’re too small to even try. When they saw giants, they could have been inspired to grow taller. Instead, they chose to become grasshoppers. The tragedy of Shelach isn’t fear—it’s smallness. It’s the refusal to step into a kind of life that demands everything of us—and, in doing so, can elevate us.” 

Throughout our lives, and particularly during challenging moments, we have the choice—both as individuals and collectively as a People—do we see ourselves as empowered and strong or do we cower inside? How we perceive ourselves will be the image we project to those around us. 

As we enter Shabbat, I invite you to think about how you want to be perceived and to step into the space that Bitton says “demands everything of us.” And, may the Jewish People, during a time when it feels like we are expected to fearfully shrink to the circumstances around us, continue to proudly rise up with pride as a diverse community, hopeful for a brighter and more peaceful tomorrow. Please join me in a prayer for peace and the return of the hostages who remain in Gaza. May the One who makes peace, bring peace down to us and Israel. Shabbat Shalom.