We will read this Shabbat about one of (if not the biggest) mishap of our forefathers on their voyage from Egypt to the Land of Israel.
The expedition of the twelve “spies” went terribly wrong. They came back from “tour de Israel” and ten of the twelve agents dissuaded the nation from moving on to the promised land.
There are multiple explanations as to why they succeeded so fast in turning the nation against going forward. But the fact was that
וַיֹּאמְר֖וּ אִ֣ישׁ אֶל־אָחִ֑יו נִתְּנָ֥ה רֹ֖אשׁ וְנָשׁ֥וּבָה מִצְרָֽיְמָה׃
And they said to one another, “Let us head back for Egypt”.
A very sudden change of heart shared apparently by the whole nation (except, perhaps by the Leviim).
The tragic result of this was the severe punishment of delaying their promised entry to the new homeland by no less than forty years. So what is the response? One would have thought that a day of prayer or fasting, to try and mitigate the penalty. No – instead (part of) Am Yisrael decides to make another turnabout, and after all – go ahead towards the Land of Israel. Moshe Rabeinu warns them that they missed the opportunity, and those who insisted – failed. Yesterday – they could have had it all, and they refused it. Now – they want it, but a little too late. Very annoying for the huge crowd, who mishandled their own fate so badly.
Why dwell on it today?
Because the Torah is not a history book. It is there to show us how dangerous it is to act thoughtlessly when faced with an important decision. Nowadays – this is becoming so common, to be influenced by a momentary misinformation and make an instant decision before thinking it through. Just as common is the remorse which comes soon thereafter, when it becomes clear that it was the wrong decision, but the train was missed…
This is not only a lesson on a national level, it gives me as an individual a strong message. No knee jerk decisions. Calculate logically, and with the help of G’d – decide well.
Best wishes, Chodesh Tamuz tov and Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Chaim Michael Biberfeld