This week, we read the portion of the spies, send by the Children of Israel to go spy out the land that they would enter. This wasn’t, as Rashi tells us from the Medrash, a Commandment — but rather “if that’s what you want to do, send them.” G-d knew, of course, that this was going to be counterproductive, but He allowed them to make their own decision. As we know, they returned with an evil, destructive report.
The Ba’al HaTurim comments that there is a hint to future exile in the very word “send” — the numerical value of “Sh’lach” is 338, and the First Temple was destroyed in 3338.
It seems that speaking ill of the Land of Israel doesn’t go out of style. I was there recently, and a daughter just completed a year of study. A close relative, one much less familiar with today’s reality in the Holy Land, described this as having sent my daughter to a war zone. [We live in Baltimore; need I say more?]
It is sad to contemplate how many Jews now believe that not only is Israel a war zone, but that Israel is warlike, responsible for the ongoing conflict. On campuses across America, Jews unfamiliar with the history of anti-Semitism now lend credence to its modern iteration — the delegitimization of Jews living in our ancestral homeland.
Instead we are told that native “Palestinians” are Arab, and Jews — who never left that land except by force — are “immigrants.” That Jews anxious to simply live in peace are the problem, while those who celebrate murders are simply “resisting occupation.” That terror attacks against Jews should be ignored, while efforts to neutralize those terrorists are Israel “attacking” Gaza.
Reverse the error of the spies — go to the Holy Land and see for yourself. You will see how safe it is, generally speaking. Learn how Israel defends Jewish lives in a more humane fashion than any other army in the world, including those of the US and its allies. And above all, appreciate what it means to be able to stand on holy ground.
You say, “You will see how safe it is, generally speaking. “. Excuse me, but the qualification is unnecessary. Israel is a safe place to live. Period. Is Boston better? Is Paris better? Is London better? Is New York better?
Excellent Article
I agree with Rabbi Menkin. However, it is still important to be able to be self-critical when necessary. Nobody is an angel and we all make mistakes. When an injustice is committed, even against a non-Jew, we should admit it and try to correct it. Most of the time, Israeli policy is correct, but occasionally there are incidents that need to be addressed.
Thank you Rabbi, for your passionate defense of the Land owned by Hashem, Jerusalem being HIS capital. Would that spiritual blindness will meet with a spiritual cure. There is no other way out. Wish that our enemies, Jew and Gentile alike, would take seriously note of what Zechariah hanavi wrote in ch.12,13. Where is the Fear of Heaven??And when do you make Aliya?!The hunters have come! Yirmeyahu ch.16:16.
Be blessed!
Well written article but your conclusion is lacking. Only visiting and then returning to continue living in exile just makes the sin of the spies continue. The true remedy is living in Israel!