Parshat Shelach

Dear STOCS Friend:

Parashat Shelach reminds us of the profound significance of the Land of Israel. Moses sends twelve spies to scout the land, but ten return with a discouraging report, while only Joshua and Caleb speak of its greatness with faith and optimism. טוֹבָה הָאָרֶץ מְאֹד מְאֹד  The land is very, very good!  The following sentence says: אִם חָפֵץ בָּנוּ יְ־הֹוָה וְהֵבִיא אֹתָנוּ אֶל הָאָרֶץ הַזֹּאת  “If Hashem wants, then he will bring us into this land.”  In other words, the will of Hashem is key when it comes to the Land of Israel. 

Over the past week, the world has witnessed the unmistakable hand of Hashem at work in Israel’s defensive response to Iran. There is no doubt in my mind that Hashem’s will stands behind the IDF and its remarkable success. From a military perspective, such outcomes may defy explanation—what we are witnessing is nothing less than a modern-day miracle.

Let us thank Hashem for His ongoing protection of the Jewish people. While the ten spies faltered in faith, we, who are privileged to witness miracles unfold before our eyes, must take to heart the truth of Caleb’s words: כִּי יָכוֹל נוּכַל לָהּ—“We can surely overcome it.” With unwavering trust in Hashem, who guards and fights alongside Israel, the IDF can and will succeed in its sacred mission to defend the Jewish people.

I invite you to join us in shul this Shabbas as we continue to ask Hashem for further assistance and grant peace speedily in our days!

Remember, there are still 53 hostages in Gaza!

Shabbat Shalom

Rabbi Evan Shore