Rabbi's Message

Dear <~~First~~>,

The episode of the spies, which we read in this past week’s Torah portion, is one of the most enigmatic in the Torah.

On the one hand we are assured that the spies were men of stature, fit for the task that lay ahead. After all, it was Moshe who sent them on their mission.

On the other, they dashed the hopes and dreams of their entire generation.

What went wrong?

In one of his insightful talks, the Lubavitcher Rebbe points out that, throughout the parasha, those we refer to as “spies” (in Hebrew “meraglim”) were not once referred to as such. The word used to describe their mission is “vayaturu”, “latur”, etc. – which comes from the root meaning “to see” – the same as the Modern Hebrew word for tourist – “Tayar”.

Moses’ intention in sending them on their mission was not to ascertain the viability of conquest. After all G-d Himself had already assured them of this. He had told them from the outset that His purpose in taking them from Egypt was to bring them to the Promised Land. Rather Moses’ intention was twofold: (a) to confirm for the people (Jews are always skeptical!) the outstanding productivity of the Land and (b) so that he, as Commander in Chief, could plan its conquest. All they had to do was to enter it with all the interest and enthusiasm of tourists going on a grand tour and bring him back a the travelogue that he had requested.

They were good men and that is why they were chosen. But, as so often happens when people don the uniform, they began taking themselves all too seriously. Instead of “tourists” they became “spies”. Spies don’t only take beautiful photos of people and scenery. They use disguises, speak in code, and write with invisible ink. They rely very heavily on their own ingenuity and resourcefulness.

Now in principle there should be nothing wrong with this. After all, they believed that through this form of activity they would better fulfill their mission of reporting to Moses and thereby help him plan his strategy of conquest.

But in spite of their best intentions, this was not what they were asked to do. From Moses perspective a “tourist” view was all that was needed. The rest should be left to him.

Once they deviated from their original mission, arrogating to themselves far greater responsibility than was given, it was only a matter of time before they became self-appointed experts on the conquest itself. Soon they were advising against it in spite of their experience with G-d’s miraculous intervention in Egypt and His promise to do the same for them in the Promised Land.

Of the two “spies” who fulfilled their mission in the manner expected of them was Joshua, who was later to become Moses’ successor. In contrast to the other spies, what does the Torah describe as Joshua’s greatest quality? “He never moved from (Moses’) tent”. Certainly Joshua was a great strategist himself – it was he after all who actually conquered the Land of Israel. But during Moses’ lifetime he was not heard from. His entire focus was to be at his master’s side, ready to do his bidding. A man with such self-effacement was the one deemed to be Moses’ heir.

And herein lies a very powerful lesson for each of us. What makes us unique as human beings is our intelligence. But when given a specific mission by G-d, it is not for us to decide on its viability, or even to decide on a “better” method of implementation. There have throughout our history been many reformers with ideas “modern” for their time, and certainly many were good people who had the best of intentions. In the end however all deviations from G-d’s plans lead to failure – as we say in our daily prayers: “Many are the thoughts of Man, but it is G-d’s idea that will prevail”.

We must use our ingenuity to fulfill G-d’s mission in the manner that we have been instructed, and without deviation.

Intelligence is our greatest gift. But we must choose to use it wisely, and not become as they say in Yiddish, an “iber-chochom” – someone who is too smart for their own good.

Ultimately, as Joshua, we will see the reward of our labour.

On behalf of Rebbetzen Henya and all of us at South Head best wishes for a Good Shabbos.


Rabbi Benzion Milecki OAM 

Hey there everyone! Next Shabbat June 28th will be Youth Shabbat. The entire Shabbat day service will be led by the teens from start to finish. Any teenager wishing to participate please contact Rabbi Yossi on 0425 323 770. Next Shabbat is also Bless the kids Shabbat.  Be part of our very special tradition at South Head, where you will participate in a creative activity, receive a blessing from the Rabbi and a special treat. The activity is for children aged 0-8. _____ ONLY THREE DAYS LEFT for the early bird discount!! Children's services: featuring Tefillah, Torah study, games, and snacks, Every Friday night at 5:45 pm and Shabbat day at 10:30 am. Please look at the signs in the foyer for the correct locations for your child. _____ Jewish Birthdays: Any child who is having their Jewish birthday during the Hebrew Month of Sivan, please email us a picture of yourself. _____    For more information about youth programs, contact Rabbi Yossi or Rivky Shuchat at 9371-7300 ext 3, or 0425-323-770  or email Youth@southhead.org Good Shabbos from Rabbi Yossi and Rivky Shuchat

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JEWISH LEARNING INSTITUTE @ SOUTH HEAD

JLI 3 Talmud Ethics

Last Week ~ "Words are the most Powerful Tool we Have"















This Week: Lesson 5

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Friday the Rabbi Laughed!

Visiting Bubbe

A Jewish grandmother is giving directions to her grown grandson, who is coming to visit with his wife: 
"You come to the front door of the apartment complex. I am in apartment 14T. There is a big panel at the door.
 
With your elbow push button 14T. I will buzz you in.

Come inside, the elevator is on the right. Get in, and with your elbow hit 14. When you get out I am on the left. With your elbow, hit my doorbell." 

"Bubbe, that sounds easy, but why am I hitting all these buttons with my elbow"? 

"You're coming empty handed?" 

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