Thoughts that Count for Our Parsha
Visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children (Num. 14:18)
G-d lessens the iniquity of parents whose children behave righteously. In their merit, G-d forgives the parents their sins. (Haketav Vehakabala)
Everyone a ruler ("nasi") among them (Num. 13:2)
The Hebrew word "nasi" is composed of the words "ein" ("nothing") and "yeish" ("something"). A Jewish leader who is humble and considers himself "nothing" is the only kind of leader who is truly "something." Likewise, one who thinks he is "something" is not a leader at all. (Degel Machane Efraim)
And we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their eyes (Num. 13:33)
Relating how they were perceived by others was actually one of the sins of the spies. Reporting that they felt "as grasshoppers" is one thing, but saying that the feeling was mutual was another. For one should not care about this at all... (Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Kotzk)
You shall offer up the first part of your dough for a gift (Num. 15:20)
The commandment to separate a portion of dough teaches an important principle in the education of our children: The "first part" of the school day, i.e., the morning hours, should be utilized as a "gift" for "offering up" - set aside for studying holy Jewish subjects, as opposed to secular ones learned later in the afternoon. (The Lubavitcher Rebbe)
Only rebel not against G-d (Numbers 14:9)
Nothing in the spies' report encouraged open rebellion against G-d. On the surface, they were merely reporting facts. Nonetheless, Caleb and Joshua responded by cautioning them not to rebel. For the fear they expressed regarding the land's giant inhabitants and walled cities was what constituted their rebellion. As King David states in Psalms, "G-d is with me; I will not fear what man may do to me." Believing in G-d causes a person to cease fearing man. (Rabbeinu Bechaye)
Reprinted from the Shelach 5762/2002 edition of L’Chaim.
