These days we are witness to an enormously difficult and tense time in Israel: The Iran war (if it is over, say ‘the aftermath of the Iran war’) the continuing fighting in Gaza, the hostages, the international pressures surely we understand these days why 10 of the 12 spies said “We cannot conquer this land.”
But we can also understand their mistake and Joshua and Caleb’s courage by examining a single word. Moses instructs the spies “latur ba’aretz” – to travel in the land. Many commentators note this is the same verb we know from the Shema – “v’Lo taturu” – you should not “tur.” What is the lesson?
In the Shema it says – you should not go after your eyes and your heart, which lead you astray. In other words, do not be guided by impulse or superficial impressions. The world rarely yields its meaning easily – it demands study, attention and humility.
Today too many judge Israel as tourists browse souvenirs glancing at a 30 second video, quoting yesterday’s self-appointed “expert” parroting slogans without knowledge. I remember the journalist who asked student protesters chanting “from the river to the sea” which river and which sea. They had no idea. They were ideological tourists wandering from cause to cause without roots or responsibility.
Joshua and Caleb paid close attention to the land, and kept in mind the history of the promises made to the Jewish people by God. Their impressions were shaped not by fear but by faith.
To understand Israel takes a serious effort to grasp the history of a people exiled but never entirely gone, seeking peace but in a region rife with conflict, demonized but still dreaming. Tourists cannot understand – one must come as a pilgrim, admitting wonder and beauty. The spies skimmed the surface, while Joshua and Caleb sought the soul.
Judaism teaches us to grieve the death of any innocent person and to pray for a swift end of conflict. No prayer is repeated as often in our liturgy as that of peace. May God grant peace to Israel and all her neighbors. And may the vision of true pilgrims those who walk the land with resolve and reverence be fulfilled in our day.
