P087 Parash 37 Shlach L'cha B’Midbar/ Numbers 13:1-15:41
Synopsis – Moshe sends twelve spies to the land of Canaan. Forty days later they return, carrying a huge cluster of grapes, a pomegranate and a fig, to report on a lush and bountiful land. But ten of the spies warn that the inhabitants of the land are giants and warriors “more powerful than we”; only Caleb and Joshua insist that the land can be conquered, as God has commanded.
The people weep that they’d rather return to Egypt. God decrees that Israel’s entry into the Land shall be delayed forty years, during which time that entire generation will die out in the desert. A group of remorseful Jews storm the mountain on the border of Land, and are routed by the Amalekites and Canaanites.
The laws of the menachot (meal, wine and oil offerings) are given, as well as the mitzvah to consecrate a portion of the dough (challah) to God when making bread. A man violates the Shabbat by gathering sticks, and is put to death. God instructs to place fringes (tzitzit) on the four corners of our garments, so that we should remember to fulfill the mitzvot(divine commandments).
Theme & Message – General Overview: Moses sends scouts to Canaan and all of them -- except Joshua and Caleb -- bring back frightening reports. The people react fearfully and rebelliously. God decrees a forty year delay until the Israelites will enter Canaan, during which time all males between the ages of twenty and sixty will perish. Many Israelites then attempt to unilaterally proceed to Canaan, but are cut down by the Canaanites. Various laws are discussed: libations, giving part of the dough ("challah") to a Kohain(Priest), certain sin sacrifices, and the mitzvah of tzitzit. A Jew is found desecrating the Shabbat and is executed.
