caleb – holy scribbles

parasha Shelach 5784 – A Different Spirit

The weekly reading from the Torah is parasha Shelach, having to do with the sin of the spies, excepting – Joshua and Caleb – that prevented B’nei Yisrael from initially entering the Land, only one year after the Exodus. It is written that Caleb had a different spirit…

The story of Caleb is a message of faith and resilience embodied by Caleb. Caleb went to the Cave of Machpaleh in Hebron, in order to pray in the merit of the Patriarchs and Matriarchs. For this spiritual effort, he was protected against the calumny of the other ten spies.

Caleb’s faith and connection to the divine were instrumental in preserving his integrity and vision during challenging times. His integrity was preserved by a transcendent G-d. Caleb’s story further serves as a reminder of the transformative potential of turning to HaShem during difficult moments.

These moments will sustain us, as we recall our yeshuos from Above, when we might have succumbed to the rampant negativity around us. In like manner that both Joshua and Caleb were preserved, our integrity may be left intact when we seek the protection that only G-d can offer us. We cannot always act on our own; although, G-d appreciates the effort.

Yet, He also favors us when we turn to Him, in acknowledge of our dependency on His strength, to make the circumstances in our lives, regardless of how challenging, conform to His will – all for the best, because we have placed our upmost trust in Him.