Shelach Walk among the Tress

Shelach – Walk among the Trees

Sivan 25/26, 5775    June 12/12, 2015

“And what the land is, whether it is plentiful or bare, be there trees, or not……”  (13:20)

It is explained by Rashi that “TREE” is metaphorically referring to an honorable and righteous person who shall protect and defend his domain.

 So, if Moses was sending in ‘the spies’ , should he not have sent them in with a directive of searching for an honorable person and his home of righteousness, prayer, and sincere study of Torah?  Why then did Moses send them to just public areas?  Makes one think really!!! I feel the answer is rather simplistic in nature, but with deep thought; when a city/town has a population of honorable and righteous persons and those who govern, it is reflective upon the city/town itself!  As I’ve shared before, the influence of a person and his/her solid attributes and sincere beliefs are not bound by a ‘wall’, but rather felt by the community where he/she resides, and the proactive energy of his/her love, and behaviors is permeated throughout………..Again, sort of like a “Temple without Walls”

I believe that members of his/her surroundings are or have been directly ‘touched’ by his/her positive presence and have made an impact statement.  It was Teddy Roosevelt that exclaimed, “Speak softly and carry a big stick”.  In other words, Walk the walk, and not just talk the talk!

In places, such as cities, townships, and villages throughout…… that maintain and have presence of TORAH and sincere study, and leadership that lends a strong hand, are reflective on its own surrounding society and has a proactive and positive impact of the population!  Religion and spirituality play an integral part!

Can and may I then surmise that Moses sent the ‘spies’ to the cities/towns/villages to actually observe behavior and to see if religious and spiritual righteousness was present in the communities?

Some see failure in Moses’ spies venture; I most definitely view it as a great success!