Parshat Shelach: Taking time to see the World

This week, we read Parshat Shelach. Moshe sends twelve spies to the land of Canaan. Forty days later they return, carrying a cluster of grapes, a pomegranate and a fig, to report on a lush and bountiful land. But, in the moment that Moshe was looking for good, ten of the spies warn that the land inhabitants are giants being “more powerful than we.” Joshua and Caleb, seeing the good in the land, insist that it could be conquered, just as Hashem had commanded.

In this text, it is powerful that among the bad that ten spies saw, Joshua and Caleb saw hope. They took the time to look around and although there were others on the territory, they still saw that there was enough room for themselves and the Israelite nation.

In our everyday lives, we must remember that there are always going to be people bigger and better than us. Like Caleb and Joshua, we must still see the good in who we are and all the light in everything that we have.

This Shabbat of Parshat Shelach, may we find the beauty in the world around us, no matter what circumstance. May we be able to rest and rejoice in the beauty of Shabbat and all that Hashem has given us!

Shabbat Shalom Umevorach, A peaceful Shabbat filled with only Simchah and Joy to all!