Maamar, Vayishlach Yehoshua 5746
A. The Mission of the Spies
In this week’s Torah reading, Moses recounts the unsuccessful mission of the spies who were sent to scout the Land of Israel (Source 1). Years later, just before the Jewish people entered the land, Joshua sent spies to Jericho, and this mission was successful (Source 2).
The Alter Rebbe explains that there are significant differences between these two missions. Moses was not commanded by G-d to send spies, whereas Joshua was. In addition, Moses sent spies to survey the entire land, while Joshua sent spies only to the city of Jericho.
The explanation is that the mitzvah of conquering the land continues to apply today in a spiritual sense. Jericho represents the “garments” of the soul—thought, speech, and action—whereas the entire land represents the character traits of the animalistic soul.
Tanya explains that the primary task of the beinoni is to refine the garments of the soul—thought, speech, and action—over which every person has complete control. By contrast, the primary task of the tzadik is to transform the inner emotional traits of the heart, a level of spiritual service that is only the realm of exceptional individuals.
For this reason, the mission to scout Jericho was commanded by G-d, because every person can control their thoughts, speech, and actions and dedicate them to Divine service. Transforming one’s inner character, however, is not something that lies within ordinary human grasp. Therefore, the mission to scout the entire land was undertaken at Moses’ initiative rather than by direct Divine command.
B. The Torah Is Eternal
Although the level of the tzadik is not attainable by everyone, every Jew is nevertheless charged with aspiring to it. As the Sages teach, every person is adjured before birth: “Be righteous.” In other words, we should strive to reach the spiritual level of the tzadik and develop a genuine distaste for evil.
For this reason, the Torah also recounts the story of Moses’ spies, who surveyed the entire land, even though this alludes to the work of refining one’s inner character traits—a form of service that primarily belongs to the tzadik.
C. Why Is Refining Character So Difficult?
Thought, speech, and action are called the “garments” of the soul because, like garments, they can be put on, removed, and changed.
By contrast, transforming one’s intellect and emotional character is far more demanding. It requires sustained effort, together with special assistance from Above.
