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DVAR TORAH

From the desk of Rabbi Ackerman

(Hear a “Torah Minute” by Rabbi Becker here.)

   אַךְ בַּהֹ' אַל־תִּמְרֹדוּ  (במדבר יד:ט)

Only do not rebel against HaShem… (Numbers 14:9 )

Calev and Yehoshua admonished the Jewish people for falling into despair at the Spies’ assertion that they would never be able to conquer the Land of Israel. Ramban explains that the Jews’ fear of the land’s inhabitants was in fact a rebellion against HaShem. HaShem, who miraculously took us out of Mitzrayim,  guaranteed that we would inherit the land from these nations. It was incumbent upon the Jewish people to trust in HaShem, and, had they done so, they would indeed have succeeded in conquering the land.

Why is fear considered a rebellion? A lack of trust in HaShem, perhaps; one that could be addressed by an inspirational reminder of the miracles of the Exodus and HaShem’s promises regarding the land. But why rebellion?  

The Ramban is teaching us an interesting and  powerful insight: one who achieves a true awareness of HaShem's guidance is capable of overcoming any fear! Having experienced HaShem’s loving kindness and protection, the Jews should have been able to trust in Him; their failure to do  so can only be understood if we assume a subconscious, internal desire to rebel.

We, too, find ourselves in a frightening time in Jewish history, with war in Israel and waves of antisemitism around the world. We are right to be concerned for the welfare of our brethren, in the Holy Land and elsewhere. At the same time, all of us, in our own lives, have experienced HaShem's miraculous guidance and salvation in times of danger. If we reflect on HaShem's promises to protect and preserve the Jewish people, we can trust in Him and not be consumed by the fear. This itself can generate merit and help save us from harm.

May we see HaShem's Hand clearly in the ultimate redemption speedily in our days!

• based on a talk by Rabbi Shaya Cohen Shlita