A thought on Parshas Shlach
"...va'yavo ad Chevron...""...and he came upon Chevron..." (13:22)
In describing the path of the spies on their reconnaissance of the land, our verse switches to the singular, implying that this particular leg of the trip, the visit to Chevron, was taken by only one of the twelve tribal agents. Indeed, the gemara (Sota 34b) cited here by Rashi tells us that this was a side-trip taken by Kalev ben Yefuna, from the tribe of Yehuda. He set out for Chevron in order to pray at the Cave of the Patriarchs, that he not be influenced by the plot of his fellow spies.
The Chezkuni suggests that Kalev needed to go pray in that way because Moshe did not plead for mercy over him, in the way that Moshe had prayed for Yehoshua (verse 15).
What might have been the "message" as interpreted by Kalev? He and Yehoshua shared the same sentiments and commitments, collaborated in trying to counter the scheme of the meraglim, yet Moshe bestowed his prayer and blessing upon Yehoshua alone, leaving Kalev to seek out his own protection from Above. How did Kalev understand this?
Perhaps the message, as understood by the Chezkuni, is that each of us needs to find our own way in spirituality. It is clear that Kalev valued the idea of having Divine guidance and protection. Moshe extended this to Yehoshua, so it was clear to Kalev that traveling only within the secure shadow of Shomayim
was necessary for this journey. But: Kalev did not get Moshe's bracha. There might have been many reasons why Moshe needed to give that blessing to his disciple Yehoshua, but whatever the reason, it was not offered to Kalev.
Yet: Kalev realized that Divine rachamim was essential therein. The message lay not in the importance of having the bracha, but in the importance of seeking the bracha. If it was not extended to him, then he needed to get it for himself. If not from Moshe, then from HaShem "Himself." That is why Kalev veered from the path and set out alone for Chevron. He needed to seek out that blessing, he needed to make an effort both in deed (traveling) and in spirit (praying) so he journeyed alone to the Cave of the Patriarchs and prayed for his own soul.
A person can look at the accomplishments of others and envy the fortune that granted them such bounty. But if one truly values that which has been done he owes it to himself to do what he can, do what he must, in order to seek out whatever is important to him. It may take sacrifice, it make take time, energy and effort. In spirituality as well, the ideals which we value are seldom gained through the intercession of others on one's behalf. It is up to you, and me and each of us to find our own path and chase it down. Ashrei adam oz lo Bach mesillos bilvavam (Tehillim 84:6) - fortunate the person who traces his power to You through the paths of the heart.
Good Shabbos. D Fox
In describing the path of the spies on their reconnaissance of the land, our verse switches to the singular, implying that this particular leg of the trip, the visit to Chevron, was taken by only one of the twelve tribal agents. Indeed, the gemara (Sota 34b) cited here by Rashi tells us that this was a side-trip taken by Kalev ben Yefuna, from the tribe of Yehuda. He set out for Chevron in order to pray at the Cave of the Patriarchs, that he not be influenced by the plot of his fellow spies.
The Chezkuni suggests that Kalev needed to go pray in that way because Moshe did not plead for mercy over him, in the way that Moshe had prayed for Yehoshua (verse 15).
What might have been the "message" as interpreted by Kalev? He and Yehoshua shared the same sentiments and commitments, collaborated in trying to counter the scheme of the meraglim, yet Moshe bestowed his prayer and blessing upon Yehoshua alone, leaving Kalev to seek out his own protection from Above. How did Kalev understand this?
Perhaps the message, as understood by the Chezkuni, is that each of us needs to find our own way in spirituality. It is clear that Kalev valued the idea of having Divine guidance and protection. Moshe extended this to Yehoshua, so it was clear to Kalev that traveling only within the secure shadow of Shomayim
was necessary for this journey. But: Kalev did not get Moshe's bracha. There might have been many reasons why Moshe needed to give that blessing to his disciple Yehoshua, but whatever the reason, it was not offered to Kalev.
Yet: Kalev realized that Divine rachamim was essential therein. The message lay not in the importance of having the bracha, but in the importance of seeking the bracha. If it was not extended to him, then he needed to get it for himself. If not from Moshe, then from HaShem "Himself." That is why Kalev veered from the path and set out alone for Chevron. He needed to seek out that blessing, he needed to make an effort both in deed (traveling) and in spirit (praying) so he journeyed alone to the Cave of the Patriarchs and prayed for his own soul.
A person can look at the accomplishments of others and envy the fortune that granted them such bounty. But if one truly values that which has been done he owes it to himself to do what he can, do what he must, in order to seek out whatever is important to him. It may take sacrifice, it make take time, energy and effort. In spirituality as well, the ideals which we value are seldom gained through the intercession of others on one's behalf. It is up to you, and me and each of us to find our own path and chase it down. Ashrei adam oz lo Bach mesillos bilvavam (Tehillim 84:6) - fortunate the person who traces his power to You through the paths of the heart.
Good Shabbos. D Fox
posted by Rabbi Dr. Fox at 4:34 PM
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