What was unique about the spies? First, they were chosen by Moses. Moses' most unique quality was that, while he was the greatest prophet of all time and spoke face to face with G‑d, he was still a human being of flesh and blood. So similarly, when Moses chose the spies, he chose them for that quality: to live in the world and yet be a vessel for spiritual truth. The second quality of the spies was that each was a prince of his tribe, possessing all of the special qualities of that tribe.
What was the spies' mission? To strengthen themselves by scouting out the Land. Even more important was the task of taking fruits of Canaan (the future Land of Israel) and making them Jewish fruits. This process would break the impurity of Canaan, preparing it for the Jewish conquest.
A person must know that it is his purpose to make even the distant and hostile into a dwelling place for G‑d….Just imagine how the members of each tribe would feel when they heard how the spies performed G‑d's command, even at the darkest time, when Canaan was not yet under Jewish rule, how they traveled through Canaan gathering the required fruit. Everyone would come to realize how easy it would be for them to successfully conquer the Land.
This teaches us that when a person takes stock of his surroundings, and sees that it is like the land of Canaan, unconquered territory filled with spiritual dangers, it may appear out of his grasp. But on the other hand, a person must know that it is his purpose to make even the distant and hostile into a dwelling place for G‑d, transforming it into a place of spirituality and truth.
A person could think, "It's beyond my capabilities," or "Someone has made a mistake," or "I might be ready for the mission soon, but certainly not yet." The answer to this person is in this week's portion. Just as Moses chose twelve leaders, so too, in each and every Jew there is a leader with leadership qualities. The most important and powerful quality of a leader is faith - faith that when a mission presents itself, it is because G‑d gave him the ability to overcome the obstacles and succeed.
Just by virtue of being the child of a certain person, he becomes the inheritor….What is so powerful about this quality of faith is that we have it as an inheritance. When a person receives an inheritance, regardless of whether he wants it or not, he become the owner of that legacy. Receiving an inheritance does not depend on a person's preference, logic, or perception. Just by virtue of being the child of a certain person, he becomes the inheritor.
So it is with our faith that we received as a legacy from our forefathers. This is a legacy, and we have no choice about it. With this faith, we have what it takes to overcome any obstacles and fulfill our mission. The challenges we experience are sent to us so that we may prove to ourselves and to others that we are fit for this great responsibility. When we understand this, nothing can stop us.
Remember that you have the ability to transform your environment….The accounts of the Torah are not just tales, but come to teach lessons. The lesson here is that each person is placed in a certain environment, within which he works, eats, sleeps, makes a living, etc. Suddenly, one morning he sees that there is a certain aspect of holiness missing. Even if his first reaction is "I am the last one to be able to transform this situation", he must remember the teaching of the portion, "Send the people…". Remember that you have the ability to transform your environment, no matter where you are or what personal obstacles you think you have. Joshua and Caleb showed us the way. They said, "G‑d is with us, let us rise and conquer."
Shabbat Shalom, Shaul
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