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Shelach (2026)

Shabbat Shelach

Dvar Torah
This week we recount the story of the spies, where after a blasphemous report of the Promised Land the Israelites regret their journey there and rebel. Consequently, G-d tells them that that the current generation will not live to enter the Promised Land but instead will wander the desert for 40 years.

Immediately following this devastating news, the text suddenly pivots and begins detailing a series of mitzvot (commandments) that can only be performed once the people enter the Land of Israel. This juxtaposition sends a clear message of hope: the story isn't over, and the Jewish people will inherit the Promised Land.

The Ohr Hachaim – one of the classic commentators - offers a deeper insight. He suggests that because their descendants were absolutely guaranteed to come to the land, the certainty of that future event transcended time. It was as if the wandering generation, despite passing away in the wilderness, inherited the land themselves. Through their children's future, they were able to elevate themselves to a similar level of fulfillment.

This highlights a beautiful, broader idea within Jewish history. We are part of an unbroken chain of generations, which means that when we engage in our traditions, we are doing more than just an action in the present—we are transcending time. Every time we light Shabbat candles, wrap tefillin, or learn Torah, we are raising ourselves above a fleeting moment. We are simultaneously linking hands with our past and actively inspiring our future.

Trivia
In contemporary Israel, as a tikkun (fixing) for the Sin of the Spies many people observe various customs this Shabbar to highlight the beauty of the Land of Israel through special foods, songs, and activities. In our household, this involves a Friday outing to nature – connecting to the land with our feet!

Shabbat candle lighting/Havdalah times
Yerushalayim 19:02/20:24
Kfar Yuval 19:14/20:27
Tel-Aviv 19:22/20:27
Paris 21:31/22:55
NYC 20:06/21:14
Mexico City 18:55/19:49

Shabbat Shalom!



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