בס”ד
By Rabbi Moshe Goodman, Kollel Ohr Shlomo, Hebron
Painting by: Baruch Nachshon z”l
And You Shall Settle Upon the Land Securely
This parsha mentions Hebron for the first time after many parshiot it was not mentioned since the book of Breshit, the book of the Patriarchs. In fact, in this way parshat Shlach may symbolize how we, in the periods after the Patriarchal age, can continue on the legacy of our Patriarchs that runs through Hebron. The way this is done, as we learn through the figure of Kaleb in this parsha, is to pray to be faithful to the Divine message of the Holy Land that was so close to our Patriarchs, thereby being instilled with a “different spirit” capable of confronting all those who deny Israel’s conquer and settlement of the Holy Land. Today, we are amid a war confronting our enemies who deny our existence and sovereignty upon the Holy Land. But let’s not be mistaken – there is also an internal “enemy” within our own People, similar as was with the spies in the Wilderness, an internal “voice” of fear and loss of purpose, saying: “why deal with this whole confrontation of enemies, let’s just return to exile…” Versus this claim we must remember the words of our parsha “Hashem is with us, do not fear them!” We must remember God’s Will and Love, seen through the numerous covenants made with our Patriarchs both about the prosperity of the Jewish People and the promise of the Holy Land to us. We must also remember that Hashem’s purpose in the Exodus from Egypt was to ultimately bring us to this Holy Land, where we would serve Him fully in Torah and mitzvot, as the fifth and final term of redemption specifies: “ve’hevaiti – I shall bring them to the Land”. It is only through this direction and purpose that ultimately the light of Israel shall shine upon the entire world bringing Divine enlightenment and salvation on all mankind, as the prophet says “I shall make you a light upon the nations”.
This painting places special emphasis on the houses in the vicinity of Maarat Hamachpela, a matter that highlights Hebron’s special connection to Israel’s strong and secure housed settlement of the Holy Land, and the Holy Land as the home of the Jewish People, with pride and honor as a kingly lion – “Hen Am Kelavi Yakum veKa’ari yitnas