Weekly Torah Portion

Parashat Shlach Leckha Numbers 13:1 – 15:41

This week we read the famous story of the 12 scouts, sent my Moshe to survey the Land of Israel and report back to Moses and the people. When they return, only Yehoshua and Calev bring back positive reports. The other 10 share stories of an inhospitable land inhabited by powerful people. The Israelites listen to the negative reports and turn against God and Moshe, wanting to go back to Egypt. God views the Israelites’ response negatively and Moshe intercedes on their behalf. The consequence for the lack of trust shown by the Israelites is to wander for 40 years in the wilderness, until a new generation is born and is ready to enter the Land of Israel, free from the baggage of a life of slavery in Egypt.

Family discussion:

• All 12 scouts SAW the same land and area, but they PERCEIVED it differently. How can our mindset and mood impact how we perceive situations?
• What can we tell ourselves to help us perceive situations in a positive manner?

Websites of interest:

Watch how an Israeli typographer creates a new typeface that combines Hebrew and Arabic: www.tabletmag.com/scroll/236938/this-typeface-combines-hebrew-and-arabic-equally

Limmud Oz connection: Hagai M Segal is a leading authority on geopolitical issues, strategic risk, the Middle East and counter-terrorism. Hagai gave several fascinating presentations at Limmud. Follow the link to read some of his articles and watch one of his talks. www.hagaisegal.com