Shelach | Numbers 13:1 – 15:41

This week’s portion recounts a dramatic moment in Israel’s history: the sin of the spies. This familiar story raises questions, like why did the spies, leaders among the children of Israel, give a bad report? Did the leaders fear that they would lose their closeness to G-d once they entered the Land?

In this powerful episode, we reflect on the sin of the spies who judged the Promised Land through human eyes — and how that same mistake echoes today. What does it mean to see Israel not just as a place, but as God’s chosen land?  Shmuel reveals that the answers to these questions can be found in last week’s portion, next week’s portion, and in the strength of one’s belief.

Shabbat Shalom! 

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