This Parashat, Shelach- Lecha, we read about the famous story of the spies that Moses had sent to explore the land of Israel and how they returned with fear implanted in their own hearts and in the hearts of the people of Israel.

We know that the consequences of that panic was the tragic punishment of having to wander in the desert for 40 years and the negative implications that happened in the history of the Jewish nation.

Our sages teach us that the spies’ sin wasn’t fear itself. Fear is a natural human emotion. Joshua and Caleb undoubtedly saw the same challenges and dangers that the other spies saw. The difference lay in how they interpreted what they saw. The ten spies looked at the obstacles and concluded that success was impossible. Joshua and Caleb saw the very same reality, yet believed that through faith, responsibility, and determination, those obstacles could be overcome.

It is striking that the spies do not merely describe the strength of the enemy; they also describe themselves: “We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and so we seemed in theirs.” The problem was not only the external threat but also the internal loss of confidence. When a person—or a nation—loses faith in itself, it becomes difficult to confront even challenges that can, in fact, be overcome.

This message resonates powerfully in our own time. In recent years, and especially since the horrific terrorist attacks of October 7, the State of Israel has faced a complex and painful security reality. Many citizens live under the shadow of constant threats. Families have paid a heavy price, and soldiers continue to serve on multiple fronts to protect the security of the country and its people.

For this reason, it is important to understand the mindset of much of the Israeli public today. At times, both outside Israel and within certain public discussions, the ongoing conflict is portrayed as though it stems from a desire to perpetuate confrontation or an unwillingness to seek peace. Yet for many Israelis, the reality feels very different. The hope is not for war, nor is there a desire to sustain conflict indefinitely. On the contrary, most Israelis would prefer to live in peace, security, and prosperity, free from violence and bloodshed.

However, the reality imposed upon Israel has led many to feel that there is little choice. This sentiment does not arise from a love of war but from a profound sense of existential anxiety. When citizens experience terrorist attacks, rocket fire, and threats from organizations and states that openly call for Israel’s destruction, many come to believe that abandoning the means to defend themselves could endanger the very existence of the country.

In this context, the story of the spies offers a deeper lesson. Joshua and Caleb do not seek war for its own sake. They do not glorify battle, nor do they pursue conflict. They understand that entering the land will require difficult struggles, yet they also recognize that there are moments when avoiding confrontation does not bring peace but merely postpones danger. At times, national responsibility requires standing firm against threats, even when the cost is painful.

At the same time, it is equally important to remember the other side of the equation. The Torah does not sanctify war. The vision of the prophets is not a world of swords but a world of peace: “They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks.” The ultimate goal is not military victory in itself, but the creation of a reality in which people can live securely, build a moral society, and cultivate life and human flourishing.

Precisely because war is so difficult, we must never lose sight of the aspiration for its end. We must not become accustomed to a reality in which an entire generation grows up under the constant shadow of danger. Israel’s national resilience is measured not only by its ability to fight, but also by its ability to continue envisioning a better future—one marked by unity, security, and genuine, lasting peace.

In these difficult days, as the people of Israel face profound challenges, may we remember the lesson of this parashah: not to deny the hardships, not to underestimate the threats, but also not to be paralyzed by fear. May we continue to believe in the justice of our cause, in the strength of our people, and in our ability to build a safer and better future.

May we pray for the safety of our soldiers and for the recovery of the wounded. For comfort for bereaved families and for days we’ll see security, unity and peace. Amen

Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Refael Cohen