Looking on the Bright Side

May 31 - June 1, 2013 / 23 Sivan 5773

Shabbat Shlach Lecha

Torah Portion: Numbers 13:1-15:41 / Haftarah Portion: Joshua 2:1-24

“Looking on the Bright Side”

Dear Friends,

Fear seems to be the new product of the day.  I look at television and so much of the programming is rooted in fear.  The news programs have us frightened to change the station, in case we should miss the next ‘breaking news’ disaster, calamity, or catastrophe.  Shocking audio, repeating video clips, and bright red banners have us convinced that we are next to experience the tragedy we are witnessing on the screen.  Police, Lawyer, and Doctor shows have ramped up the fear quotient to depict the most heinous crimes and incurable illnesses, depicting them with terrifying realism.  What are we to do?

This week’s Torah portion takes place in the second year following the Exodus from Egypt and includes the famous story of the twelve spies sent by Moses to explore the Promised Land.  Of the twelve, only Joshua and Kalev reported that the land was good and that the Children of Israel should move immediately to settle it.  The others focused only on the fortified cities of local inhabitants and how the Israelites would be squashed like grasshoppers if they even tried to enter the land.  Of course fear and panic spread throughout the camp.  Because of this loss of courage, the Children of Israel were sent to wander in the desert for 38 more years.

There is a powerful lesson here that speaks to each one of us.  It’s all about how you look at things that will determine a plan of action and ultimately a result.  The spies who saw only the negative got fear and panic in return.  Those who looked on the bright side, who saw the positive, were ready to engage in an exciting adventure.

Which kind of person would you like to be - one that is frozen by fear, worry and doubt - or one motivated by positive thoughts, joy and determination? When it comes to making the final decision, our Jewish tradition tells us to choose positive opportunities whenever possible and to celebrate life to the fullest.

“Choose blessing and not curse, abundance and not scarcity, life and not death.”

L’Shalom (In Peace),

Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow