Sicha, Parshas Shelach 5732
A. The Most Significant Part of This Torah Reading
Our Torah reading contains several major topics and events. It begins with the story of the spies. Later, it relates the story of the ma’apilim, those who attempted to enter the Land despite Moses’ warning (Source 1). It also includes the mitzvah of separating challah (Source 2), the laws concerning idolatry and its punishment (Source 3), and the mitzvah of tzitzit (Source 4).
The Rebbe asks: The name of a Torah reading is meant to express its primary theme. If so, why is this Torah reading named after the story of the spies, which contains no mitzvah that applies for all generations, rather than after one of the commandments that remain relevant for all generations, such as tzitzit?
B. The Spies’ Sin
Let us return to the story of the spies. Moses assigned them the task of scouting the land and reporting whether its inhabitants were strong or weak, what the cities were like, and what kind of land it was (Source 5). They returned and reported that the land was indeed good, but that its inhabitants were powerful and its cities heavily fortified. They therefore concluded: “We cannot go up” (Sources 6–7).
The Rebbe asks: At first glance, the spies merely reported the facts they had been sent to investigate. If so, what was the grave sin for which they—and the entire generation of the wilderness—were punished?
The Rebbe explains that the purpose of their mission was to determine how the land could be conquered through natural means. However, the actual entry into the land and the success of its conquest were never in doubt, because G-d had commanded it and had promised their success. The spies’ sin was that they did not limit themselves to describing the situation. Instead, they drew a conclusion from it: “We cannot go up.” They evaluated the situation solely according to the limitations of nature and ignored G-d’s promise.
This teaches an important lesson for life. The first foundation of mitzvah observance is the recognition that whenever G-d commands a person to do something, He also grants the ability to accomplish it. He does not demand of a person something beyond his capabilities. Once this certainty is established, one must determine how to fulfill G-d’s will in the best possible way within the framework of nature and everyday reality.
C. Pre-mitzvah Meditation
Before the Jewish people entered the Land of Israel, they sent spies “to scout out the land.” This contains an additional spiritual lesson in a person’s service of G-d.
Before performing any mitzvah, a person should reflect upon the general theme shared by all mitzvot: that he is about to fulfill the will of G-d, and through doing so he becomes sanctified and united with Him (Source 8).
The same is true before Torah study. We recite a blessing acknowledging that G-d has given us His Torah and continues to give it to us anew each day. Before every mitzvah, one should “scout out” and contemplate its meaning and purpose, preparing oneself properly for its fulfillment.
This principle is also expressed in the practical observance of the mitzvot themselves. Before performing a mitzvah, one must ensure that it is being fulfilled according to Jewish law. For example, regarding tzitzit, one must ensure that the garment has four corners and that the tzitzit strings are attached properly. Likewise, in Torah study, care should be taken that the place is suitable and that the student approaches the Torah in a proper state, for only then can one merit to arrive at the Torah’s true understanding.
