Image courtesy of redemptionbiblechurch.org
Israelites frightened by the spies' report on the strength of the Canaanites whose
land they were planning to enter.
From Rabbi David Goodman
If you haven't decided, perhaps Mexican-American style enchilada pie might make the difference. I'll be bringing a "slice of the Southwest" as my contribution to
tomorrow's potluck lunch at Prince of Peace. Please come for the service and meal. We aim to start at 9:30am.
Pearl and I are just back from New Mexico, where the family gathered for a memorial to my mother's younger sister, Patricia Murphy. As did my mother, Aunt Pat broke the mold by "marrying out of the faith." My mom's family was Protestant
Christian, so there was a bit of a stir when Patricia married Dick Murphy an Irish Catholic. That undoubtedly made it easier for Mom, when she brought a nice Jewish boy (my dad) home to meet her parents. (Today, the religious diversity in our family is a source of joy and appreciation.)
Pat, 93, died in February, and -- as was her wish -- her grandchildren and other family
scattered her ashes from atop Battleship Rock in the Santa Fe National Forest.
Another climb is at the center of this week’s Torah portion, Sh’lach (Numbers 13-15). It starts with God directing Moses to send 12 spies – one from each tribe – to go up to the land of Canaan and scope it out in preparation for the Israelites’
entry.
The scouting mission goes badly wrong. Ten of the 12 spies bring back terrifying impressions of the power and strength of the Canaanites. The Israelites turn on Moses and Aaron and threaten to return to Egypt. As punishment, God extends the people’s wanderings in the wilderness for 40 years.
Starting anew can be frightening. Succumbing to that fear can keep us from realizing our full potential. Overcoming that fear can hold the key to a happier life. Let's talk about it tomorrow!
