My torah portion, Sh'lach Lecha, from the book of Numbers, talks about how Moses sent out 12 spies, one from each tribe, to scout the land that would be Israel. Before they leave, Moses asks the spies to report on all the details that they find in that land. He asks them to tell him if the country is fortified or not, if the country in which they dwell in is good or bad, if the soils are rich or poor, and if the country is wooded. Lastly, Moses tells the spies to make an effort to bring back some fruit of that land, so that he can judge if it is a good land in which to live. However, things take a turn for the worse when the spies return with the report that begins in a positive light but soon ends negatively.
The main idea that I understand from my parsha is that this scouting mission that was full of hope for the future, resulted in a sense of negativity. The spies reported that the people, whom they called the Anakites, were very powerful and much larger than Moses and his people. In comparison, the spies referred to themselves as “grasshoppers,” and therefore due to their size, the Anakites could not be conquered. This news then spread fear among the Israelites and caused them to question their faith in settling in the new land. That sin was compounded even further when they undermined Moses’ authority and delivered their negative report publicly.
Two out of the 12 spies - Caleb and Joshua - were the only emissaries who stayed positive and thought that they had a chance to succeed. Caleb said, “let us by all means go up, and we shall gain possession of it, for we shall surely overcome it.”
Jewish tradition teaches us that the sin of the “spies” grows from their failure of self-love and self-respect. Perhaps that explains their punishment. Unable to appreciate themselves, they are condemned to wander and die in the wilderness. Only Joshua and Caleb, who refuse to see themselves as “grasshoppers,” are worthy of entering the promised land.
I can relate this theme to my own life when I moved to France with my family when I was six years old. I had to leave everything I had known behind. I kind of freaked out when I realized that I would have to go to a new school, make new friends, and even learn a new language. Despite my fear, I had faith in my adaptability and decided to stay positive just like Joshua and Caleb and tried to make the best of my situation. With time, I realized that I would do just fine in my “new land”, and that by staying positive everything would feel like an adventure. Now, when I think about my time in France, I think about the good times and happy memories that I made there.
Another crazy thing that happened while I lived in France was the COVID Pandemic. They were super strict there and my family was on lockdown for a very long time. I thought that I was going to be bored because I would not be able to do anything except sit at home. The government wouldn’t let us travel outside of the French borders nor do most indoor activities. Just like the spies in my parsha, I was suddenly overcome by fear and negativity. But then I remembered that I had the support of my family, and I trusted that we would make the most out of a challenging and uncertain time. Once confinement was over, my family and I traveled to roughly 50 different places in France, by car, exploring the outdoors and its variety of beautiful landscapes, to make the most of our time during the pandemic. In our house, we have a magnet board with 53 different magnets collected from our adventures from all over the country. Some highlights include standing on the cliffs of Étretat in Normandy, paragliding over the French Alps, and swimming in the turquoise waters of the French Riviera.
For my Mitzvah project, my family, friends, and I volunteered at Feeding the Lone Star. Feeding the Lone Star is a non-profit organization that provides opportunities for volunteers to come and prepare healthy, fresh, and filling meals that are then distributed to people who are food insecure or are even experiencing homelessness. During our time there, we chopped vegetables and prepared cookies. After the chef made delicious meals out of our hard prep work, we packed it all up to give to underserved communities. In total, we packed 195 meals and baked a whole lot of cookies.
But my Mitzvah Project doesn’t end there. Those very same cookies we baked that day were frozen and are currently sitting on a table outside of this sanctuary. I invite each of you to do a small mitzvah of your own by taking one of the cookies and giving it to someone in need.
In the beginning of my parsha, Moses gives the spies specific instructions before they scope out the new land. This shows that Moses cares for his people and he wants to ensure that the land in which they would settle is habitable and that they would be able to succeed as a Jewish people. Just like Moses loves his people, I love my family and want the best for them. Dear G-d, on this special day, I wish for my family to be happy and healthy for all their lives. I pray that each new chapter that they approach is filled with positivity, peace, and joy.
Speaking of family, I couldn’t end this speech without thanking some of them. Savta: you are always there for me, and I enjoy spending time with you. Whether I am helping you prepare your home for hosting high holiday meals, just being together on Sundays, and of course playing Mahjong and Rummikub with you. I am always missing my Saba, who supported and loved me since the day I was born. I know he is here in spirit today because he would never miss something as significant as this. Love you, Saba.
Bubbe: I always enjoy sitting around the dinner table with you on Friday nights when we take turns hosting Shabbat, and I love going to your house and being with you. Papa: I always enjoy talking with you about books and historical events. There is always something new to learn from you, and you are a fountain of knowledge. Juliet, while I know that we have a decent amount of disagreements, I want you to know that I will always love you. I enjoy playing with and talking to you.
Dad: You and I have always been on the same sports teams, and I enjoy watching games with you. I also enjoy creating and playing music with you. You are always there to help me when I need it. Mom: I’m so glad to have you in my life and it means so much to me that you are my mom. I enjoy spending time with you and being your sidekick to run errands.
Lastly, I would like to thank all my friends and family, as well as the Beth Israel clergy, for being here today and for supporting me throughout this Bar Mitzvah process. I will never forget this special day. Shabbat Shalom.
