In this webinar, Rabbi Ari Enkin discusses the Torah portion of "Shlach" (Numbers 13:1-15:41) which deals primarily with the spies that Moses sent to spy out the Land of Israel.
This week's Torah portion is "Behalotecha" (Numbers 8:1–12:16) - and we're going to look at a few of the themes and episodes that are prominent in the reading.
Unfortunately, most people only recognize the open and obvious miracles. Indeed, even while everyone continues to be in awe of the miracle of the splitting of the sea (we all saw the movie) how many people even recall the concurrent miracle-- that the Jewish people walked on dry land! That detail seems to be virtually ignored!
By taking us out of Egypt with miracles and wonders, God planted seeds within us. Even though generations come and go, the seeds from that very first exodus must be planted, cultivated, and imparted to our children. Even when the plant or fruit dies, its offspring lives on with the same DNA and potential as the parent ‘seed.’
When Moses began to announce to the Jewish people that their freedom was imminent, the Jewish people were not so eager to believe him. As the Torah says: “They did not listen to Moses because of their fallen spirits and the difficult work.”
Only Judah could feel the responsibility for every single Jew. He is the one who cannot eat, sleep, or function knowing that there is a Jew somewhere who is assimilating, who is at risk of being lost to the Jewish people.
Moses calls upon “the heavens and earth” to serve as the everlasting witnesses and reminders of the covenant between God and the Jewish people. “I have placed before you life and death, blessings and curses. Choose life!”
This week's Torah portion is "Re'eh" (Deuteronomy 11:26-16:17). This week's Torah portion spells out a very serious choice that we all have to make. Good or Evil. Blessing or Curse. Life or Death. And we are told of the consequences that can befall those who don't do the right things and don’t make the right choices.
