Torah Portion: Sh'lach L'cha; Numbers 13:1-15:41

This week’s portion, Sh'lach-L'cha, tells the story of the twelve spies who make an early entrance into the land of Israel in order to scout out the land.  They return to the wandering Israelites and report that while the land is indeed flowing with milk and honey, it is inhabited by such strong people that the rag-tag group of Israelites could not possibly hope to overcome.  This report throws the Israelites into chaos, and they shriek that through Moses, God led the Israelites out of Egypt (which at least had good food!) only to die in the desert.  All the Israelites seem to join in this accusation, except for two of the spies—Joshua and Caleb.  These two men literally put their lives on the line and tell the people that God will remain with them, and that they should not fear.  Joshua and Caleb risked everything in order to speak the truth.

This week, I find that this story has so much resonance.  As I watch the news unfolding about the flotilla episode and debate about Israel’s actions, I keep asking myself—what is TRUE?  What really happened out on the waters?  One side gives one report; the other side gives a totally different report.  I love Israel, and am passionate about its right to defend itself.  Yet with so much chaos, so many accusations, it’s hard to know what to think.  In the end, I have to rely on the sources I trust—my own “Joshuas” and “Calebs” to help me understand what is going on.  That is why I turned to the American Reform Zionist Association’s website, which has a number of articles and insights into what is going on.  Visit www.arza.org to look for yourself. 

Another voice coming out of Israel that has always inspired me is Rabbi Daniel Gordis.  Rabbi Gordis gives an impassioned and moving response to what is going on, and I found he directly addressed the questions I have in this situation.  You can find his words at www.danielgordis.org.

As we continue to read the papers and watch the news, as ongoing coverage unfolds and we learn more about the origins of IHH and the truth of what really happened, may we all have the courage of Joshua and Caleb to stand up and speak out for what we know to be true and what we know to be right.

Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Annie