The Wisdom of Eretz Yisroel
[Editor’s note: As a memory of my beloved brother Shaya, I would like to continue sending out his pearls of wisdom that he has shared with all of you in the past. For some of you this may ring a bell and for others it may appear to be totally new. May the learning of Shaya’s Divrei Torah inspire us to change our ways and thereby give an Aliya to the neshama of our dear beloved Shaya whom we miss so much. A special thank you to Aaron Friedman for always looking over the divrei torah.]This week’s Parsha reports the episode in which the spies are sent to scout Eretz Yisroel to see if the Jewish People will be able to conquer the land. When the spies return, they relay a slanderous report about Eretz Yisroel. Moshe & Aharon fall on their faces, whereas Yehoshua and Kalev, whom the Pasuk emphasizes were among the aforementioned spies, tore their clothes.
The Imrei Shefer asks, that we already know that Yehoshua and Kalev were in the group that scouted Eretz Yisroel. Why does the Torah need to repeat that they went into Eretz Yisroel?
The Imrei Shefer offers the following interpretation: Moshe and Aharon falling on their faces was a form of prayer. They thought there was still hope to daven and nullify the decree. Whereas Yehoshua and Kalev tore their clothes-a form of mourning- because they knew that the decree was already sealed and that davening wouldn’t help anymore.
But that raises a question. Moshe and Aharon were greater than Yehoshua and Kalev, so how was it that Yehoshua and Kalev understood something that Moshe and Aharon did not yet understand?
Due to this question, the Pasuk reiterates that Yehoshua and Kalev had gone into Eretz Yisroel, which was something that Moshe and Aharon did not merit to do. Being in Eretz Yisroel enables a person to achieve greater heights in wisdom and holiness. As the Gemara in Kesubos says that one Yid who goes up from Bavel to learn in Eretz Yisroel is as great as two who remain in Bavel. [We also see this in our times, many of the Gedolei Hador live in Eretz Yisroel.] So that’s how Yehoshua and Kalev were able to understand something that even Moshe and Aharon didn’t yet understand!
Although we have many enemies who seek our demise, and especially of all those dwelling in Eretz Yisroel, let us strengthen ourselves to not fear learning and growing in Eretz Yisroel. Perhaps that will be [part of] our share in rectifying the sin of the Miraglim. May the day come soon when we will all be in Eretz Yisroel, appreciating the beauty of Torah in complete serenity, and basking in the light of the Divine Presence.
[EDITOR’S NOTE: LET YOUR SMILE CHANGE THE WORLD BUT DON’T LET THE WORLD CHANGE YOUR SMILE!]To be added to the weekly Dvar Torah list please email zichronshaya@gmail.com
