Sin of the Spies
נמצאו 50 תוצאות חיפוש
The Drama of Rachav
Rabbi Mosheh Lichtensteinתאריך פרסום: תשע"ב | |
Who is Rahav? Why does she help the Israelite spies? And why is it is necessary to mention her occupation? Our assumption is that the information is necessary for the story, and that more than merely explaining military techniques, we can learn something deeper about the human interaction between Rahav and the spies. Haza”l’s comments on Rahav’s background and our close reading of chapter 2 in the book of Yehoshua help us to discover how she may have come to be who she was at the critical moment where we meet her in the Biblical text. Our analysis of Rahav’s personality and her interaction with the spies leads us to explore topics such as societal alienation, corruption and contrasting values, and other biblical female models of self-sacrifice.
Between Law and (the Meraglim) Narrative: Ch 15 in Sefer Bemidbar
Rabbi Nathaniel Helfgotתאריך פרסום: תשעג | | שעה ו- 5 דקות
This shiur will examine the relationship between the narrative of the spies in Numbers 13-14 and the subsequent chapter of legal material that is found in Ch. 15. We will build on the insights of the classical commentators as well as new readings of these chapters using literary techniques and thematic connections that underlie the various sections.
The Differences Between Devarim and Earlier Accounts
Prof. Jonathan GrossmanThere are a number of differences between the stories in Devarim and the descriptions of the same events in earlier books. This article addresses two cases: Yitro's advice regarding the judicial system, and the Sin of the Spies. The different descriptions are an archetype for two types of distinctions: historical and tendentious.
The Thirteen Attributes of Mercy
Prof. Jonathan GrossmanWhy, in the midst of the discussion about the future of Am Yisrael, do Moshe and God engage in a private discussion the Thirteen Attributes? The discussion between Moshe and God seeks to reinitiate the Covenant between the Pieces which was broken by the nation in the Sin of the Golden Calf.
Lack of Confidence, Lack of Faith
Rabbi Yair KahnThe previous parasha tracked the spiritual deterioration of the nation when they embark on the desert journey. The Sin of the Spies presents a new low, damaging the very foundations of the Camp of Israel. A close reading reveals that the Sin of the Spies contains two very different aspects: a lack of belief in God, and a lack of maturity required to enter and inherit the Promised Land.
The Mission of the Spies
Rabbi Yaakov MedanWhat was the reason Moshe was not permitted to enter the Promised Land? Was it the Sin of the Spies, Mei Meriva, or perhaps neither?
"You Shall Not Explore After Your Heart and After Your Eyes..."
Rabbi Amnon BazakWhat is the relationship between the mitzvah of tzitzit and the Sin of the Spies that precedes it? What links these two episodes with the previous ones – the travels of the camp, Moshe and Hovav, and the complaints about the manna? The tzitzit reminds Bnei Yisrael that they need to put their trust in God. The Sin of the Spies stemmed from a simplistic perception of reality, instead of a spiritual one. The sin might also relate to Moshe’s request of Hovav: “Please, do not leave us… you shall be our eyes.”
The Crisis and the Consolation
Haftarot: Bemidbar
Rabbi Mosheh LichtensteinHosea is the first prophet to speak about the exile; he therefore needs to convey the message of an everlasting relationship between God and His nation. A similar need arises in Sefer Bemidbar: while the nation sins severely, the book also includes commandments that enable atonement, and others that attest to the fact that the nation will indeed inherit the Promised Land. The Sin of the Spies is founded on the desire to live easily, without great effort, while the trials and tribulations of the desert convey the opposite message, and allow the nation to start anew.
Aliya
Rabbi Ezra BickThe root עלה - 'alah' - is used frequently in the stories of the Spies and the Ma'apilim. The meaning of the biblical verb transcends the physical or geographical - and indicates a determined and deliberate effort. The argument between Moshe, Yehoshua, and Caleb with the spies and Ma'apilim focuses on the concept of "Aliya." In order to succeed in performing God's command, one must muster their might and act with determination despite the odds and visible reality.
The Symbolic Significance of the Earth "Opening Her Mouth"
Prof. Jonathan GrossmanWhy were Datan and Aviram swallowed by the earth? Perhaps this was a direct reciprocation for their actions: they didn't want to ascent to the Promised Land, and they ended up descending to Sheol; They called Egypt "Land of milk and honey," and Canaan "A land which eats its inhabitants," and ended up being eaten by the land upon which they stood.
Chapter 2: The Sending of the Spies to Yericho
Rabbi Michael HattinIn this lesson, we will begin to consider Yehoshua's sending of spies to Yericho in advance of its capture, comparing and contrasting Yehoshua's spies, with those sent by his mentor Moshe almost four decades earlier, as described in Sefer Bemidbar/Numbers Chapters 13 and 14.
Chapter 2 Conclusion: Rachav and the Spies
Rabbi Michael HattinThis lesson continues the analysis of the spies' mission. However, we shall shift our focus from their exploits to those of the real (but unlikely) heroine of the story, Rachav the harlot. Who is this woman, and why does she turn her back on her own people by harboring the spies? What are we to learn from her conduct? We will attempt to ascertain the motives of this remarkable woman.
Israel's First Setback
Rabbi Michael HattinThis lesson compares the biblical text with the archeological findings in Jericho, and then proceeds to explore the story of Akhan and his trespass, and Yehoshua’s response. This story is the background for the initial failure at the Ai, a sharp contrast with the initial success in Jericho. God stresses that the destiny of Israel as a people is bound to their moral and ritual conduct.
Of Spy Stories and Heroic Measures (Audio)
Rabbi Chanoch Waxman | 30 דקותThe spying expedition returns with the beautiful bounty of Eretz Yisrael, but ends disastrously. What was God’s original command? What was the original purpose of sending spies to tour the Land? This shiur compares the “spying” accounts of Bemidbar and Devarim.
"A Possession Before the Lord" (Audio)
Rabbi Chanoch Waxman | 32 דקותWhy is Moshe so upset at the tribes of Reuben and Gad for asking for land east of the Jordan River - land suitable for their many cattle? Is their request worse than the "Sin of the Spies"? To understand Moshe's anguish, we must examine parallels in the story of Abraham and Lot, their cattle conflicts, and Lot's vision of Sedom as fertile and resembling Egypt.
The Sin of the Spies, the Sin of the Nation and Moshe's Punishment
Rabbi Amnon Bazak | 12 דקותDevarim, a speech to the nation from Moshe's perspective, is different in style than the rest of the Torah. Discrepancies between the story of the Sin of the Spies as presented in Bemidbar and Moshe's re-telling of the events in Parshat Devarim reveal a message specific to the generation entering the Land: They learn about themselves, as well as about the consequences to their leader and the generation that wandered the desert.
Avoiding Another Kadesh Barnea
Rabbi David SilverbergMoshe’s history lesson is designed to avoid a repetition of the sin of the spies. To this end, the conquering of the Emmorite kings is described as premeditated and the tension regarding the Eastern tribes is downplayed. The commentators offer various explanations as to the relationship of the appointing of judges to the sin of the spies.
Military and Political Spying
Prof. Jonathan Grossman | 10 דקותThe "sending of the spies" story in parashat Shelach is often compared with the account in Devarim. This shiur, however, focuses on a different comparison of spy stories: between the sending of spies by Moshe here in parashat Shelach and the sending of spies by Yehoshua after Moshe's death. This comparison illuminates the purposes of each mission and the significance of the differences between the two.
The Story of the Spies: Between Fact and Opinion
Rabbi David Debow | 30 דקותIn this shiur, while reading the classical commentators, we take a modern close reading of the story of the spies. Where did the spies begin to sin—when did they change the facts of their tour to a biased description with a negative slant? When did they stop being objective? Should they have been aiming for objectivity from the beginning, or for something else?
Textual and Thematic Support
Rabbi Menachem LeibtagSeveral hints in Megillat Esther imply that the sin of Am Yisrael is the abandonment of the mission of returning to Eretz Yisrael and rebuilding the Beit HaMikdash:
- Parallels between Ahashverosh's Palace and the Beit HaMikdash
- The use of the term "Birah" - a term used only for the Beit HaMikdash and Shushan
- 70 days between Haman's letters of destruction and Mordekhai's letters of salvation are reminiscent of the 70 years of exile
Definitions of Churban - The Comfort of Eternity
Rabbi David Milstonתאריך פרסום: תש"ע | |
From the depths of mourning throughout the difficult times leading to Tisha B'av we can view Parshat Va'etchanan as the ultimate parsha of comfort. By closely examining the message of the parsha and its haftara of Nachamu we can understand the importance of Eretz Yisrael, the nature of our relationship with God, and the meaning of true redemption.
Aliya (Audio)
Rabbi Ezra Bick | 14 דקותThe root עלה - 'alah' - is used frequently in the stories of the Spies and the Ma'apilim. The meaning of the biblical verb transcends the physical or geographical - and indicates a determined and deliberate effort. The argument between Moshe, Yehoshua, and Caleb with the spies and Ma'apilim focuses on the concept of "Aliya." In order to succeed in performing God's command, one must muster their might and act with determination despite the odds and visible reality.
Parshat Shelah
Rabbi Alex Israel | 31 דקותIn the story of the Sin of the Spies, It seems as though Calev is the only active defender of the land, as Yehoshua only joins him many verses later, in a much more passive way. What may explain this? By closely examining the story we can learn about the personalities of Calev and Yehoshua, where they each derive their strength to stand in the face of adversity, and about different forms of leadership.
The Differences Between Kalev and Yehoshua in the Story of the Spies
Rabbi Dr. Tamir GranotIn the story of the Sin of the Spies, why did Yehoshua remain silent at first in response to the comments of the meraglim, while Kalev responded forcefully? This article highlights the differences in personality between Kalev and Yehoshua, and teaches us about different approaches to leadership and reliance on God.
Jewish Anger Management
Rabbi Ben-Tzion SpitzMilitary and Political Spying
Prof. Jonathan GrossmanA comparison between the spies sent by Moshe and the spies sent by Yehoshua teaches us that the role of the spies that Moshe sent was political rather than military.
Datan and Aviram
Rabbi Elchanan SametThis article deals with Datan and Aviram's reaction to Moshe's messengers who came to call for them. We can gain a deeper understanding of their response by dividing it into two sections, and can better discern when the events in the parsha took place.
Parshat Devarim - Moshe, the Spies, and the Scouts
Rabbi Chanoch Waxmanתאריך פרסום: תש"ע | | 38 דקות
This shiur examines Moshe’s recounting of the spies. Why is this story found here in Devarim? Why does Moshe decide to recount this story now, on the cusp of the people entering Eretz Yisrael? Moshe tells the story as if the sending of spies was the people’s initiative. But how well does this fit with the story in Bemidbar? As we compare and contrast the two accounts, we find clues about the root of the sin and collapse. If people do not have the self-respect and self-confidence allowing them to believe the could conquer the land, their attitude becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. “God helps those who help themselves,” but in the generation of former slaves, even the leaders believed they were nothing. Moshe has to reinforce a different attitude to those about to enter the Land of Israel.
The Mission of the Spies [audio]
Rabbi Yaakov Medanתאריך פרסום: תשע"ו | | 16 דקות
The details of the story of the spies in Parashat Shelachare notoriously difficult to understand. How can we make sense of the episode's various incongruities and shed light on Moshe's role in this historic disaster?
Large Cities - and Fortified up to Heaven
Dr. Yitzhak MeitlisTruth, Perception, or Lies
Rabbi Gad Dishiתאריך פרסום: תשע"ה | |
This lecture details the vast differences between how Sefer Devarim and Sefer Bemidbar recount the episode of the spies. Why aren’t they the same? If one is right is the other wrong? How can one cope with such a phenomenon? Focusing on the differences in each allow for a greater appreciation of the challenges that faced Bnei Yisrael and their leaders as they prepared to enter the Land of Israel.
From Bereishit to Beracha
A Synopsis of the Five Chumshei Torah
Rabbi David Milstonתאריך פרסום: תשעד | | שעה ו- 3 דקות
In this shiur, we survey the Chumash - from Parashat Bereisheet to Vezot Haberacha. The aim is to define ach sefer to a degree and try to show a connection between them. When we look at the Torah in this way, we see how the Torah, from Bereisheet to Beracha, can be viewed as following each other - from the wrestling with the Torah's values, to the emerging peoplehood, to the ideal, reality, and summmary. and we can see how the values and the rules of the Torah interact and coexist.
Erev Shabbat Shelach - Midrashim on Yehoshua's Name, the Spies, and the Symbolism of Techelet
Rabbi Ezra Bick | 25 דקותThis week's parasha deals with Moshe sending spies to scout out the Land of Israel. Among them is Moshe’s disciple, whose name Moshe changes from Hoshea to Yehoshua.
The name "Yehoshua Bin Nun" is different from every other name in that it has "Bin" instead of "Ben" to denote "son of".Why is it Yehoshua Bin Nun and not |Ben Nun?" The Chatam Sofer provides an explanation.
We also look at some midrashim about Yehoshua's name and about the spies, the Land of Israel and Lashon Hara.
We then move to a midrash about tzitzit. How does the techelet color symbolically serve as a reminder of God and the mitzvoth?
The Sin of the Spies - Kalev's Different Spirit and the Punishment for the Sin of the Spies
Rabbi Ezra Bick | 14 דקותIn the aftermath of the Sin of the Spies, God says that because Calev had a different spirit and followed God, he will enter the Land of Israel.
Why isn’t Yehoshua mentioned? What does a "different spirit" mean? Did Calev have a more difficult time than Yehoshua in following the path of God? Was his "different spirit" different from the other spies, or different from Yehoshua?
We also look at the matter of the punishment for the Sin of the Spies: why should it be one year for each day? Shouldn't the punishment fit the crime? Or was there sin in the trip itself?
The Meraglim: What is Wrong with Following the Leaders?
Rabbi Jonathan Snowbell | 15 דקותParashat Shelach deals with the Sin of the Spies. It is important to flip back and forth between our Parasha in Bemidbar and the account in Devarim to gain a fuller picture, so we will be looking at both stories see how the Torah depicts the turn of events. The meraglim (spies) have a prominent place in the sin, but the entire nation is punished. We explore the nation's role in the sin, It is easy to be led astray by the leadership - what is so bad about the nation listening to the majority of the leaders? Why does this bar them from entering the land?
In Bemidbar it becomes apparent that the nation has never really gotten over slavery- they look for any excuse not to proceed to the Promised Land.
Shelach: Leadership and Individual Responsibility
Rabbi Jonathan Snowbell | 17 דקותWhat happened in Parashat Shelach that led to the Sin of the Spies - and the sin and punishment of the people? Where was there room for confusion- why did people worry that God couldn’t help them? How could they allow ten spies to convince them?
Leaders as Spies
Rabbi Shlomo Dov RosenWhy is Tzitzit in Parashat Shelach?
Rabbi Shlomo Dov RosenGrasshoppers in their Eyes - Perception in the eyes of Others
Rabbi David SilverbergThe Place was Called Nahal Eshkol - Why?
Rabbi David Silverberg“But Do Not Rebel Against the Lord”
Rabbi Gad EldadOf the complaints that had a significant impact on the history of Am Yisrael, the sin of the spies stands out prominently. As a result of this sin, it was decreed that the entire generation would die in the desert instead of reaching the Promised Land.Why could God not have found some punishment that would leave room for recovery and moving on, along with recognition of the sin and atonement for it?
We find a real crisis in the people’s faith in God-- a lack of confidence so profound that even the spontaneous initiative of the ma’apilim, who realize the gravity of their sin and propose proceeding anyway to Eretz Yisrael, cannot repair the damage.
Translated by Kaeren Fish
Moshe's First Speech - Preventing the Sin of the Spies
Rabbi David SilverbergShelach: Optimism vs. Pessimism
Rabbi David Fohrman |In this week's parsha video, we ask, are pessimists just rationalists, and is hope just naivete? Rabbi Fohrman points out an intriguing language parallel and argues that hope always exists, but we must direct it towards the future, not the past.
If you enjoyed this video, please visit AlephBeta.org to watch more.Ramban on Shelach: Who Sent the Spies and Why?
Rabbi Ezra Bick | 35 דקותWe examine the question of motivation of the Jews, Moshe and God in sending the spies. The questionis framed by discrepancies between the accounts in Bemidbar and Devarim.
Was it wrong to want to investigate scout out the land? Was God merely enabling them? Were they asking for military preparation purposes or for a general feeling of encouragement?
Ramban seems to think that sending the spies was initially a good thing. What accounts for the negative portrayal of the request to scout out the land in Devarim? The attitudes may have changed- at the beginning, the people had the right mindset, but then something shifted.
Taking Care Not to be Too Careful
Rabbanit Dr. Michal TikochinskyParshat Shelach Part 1: The Mission of the Seekers (Spies) to Eretz Yisrael
Rabbi Jonathan Snowbell | 25 דקותThis podcast begins Parshat Shelach with a description of the seekers who were sent to tour the land of Israel. What was the goal of sending them? In order to answer this question we refer to the parallel version of this story in Sefer Devarim, and examine the discrepancies and similarities between both accounts.
Courtesy of www.tanachstudy.com
Parshat Shelach Part 2: The Report of Ten Spies and Kalev & Yehoshua's Response
Rabbi Jonathan Snowbell | 25 דקותThis podcast discusses the spies’ report following their tour of the Land of Israel, and their sin in this analysis.
Courtesy of www.tanachstudy.com
Parshat Shelach Part 3: God's Anger, Moshe's Prayer and the Punishment Not to Enter Eretz Yisrael
Rabbi Jonathan Snowbell | 25 דקותThis podcast explores God’s response to the nation’s rebellion in the aftermath of the spies’ report after returning from their 40- day mission to the Land of Israel.
Courtesy of www.tanachstudy.com
They carried it on a pole between two men
Rabbanit Dr. Michal TikochinskyMei Meriva
Rabbi Yehuda RockWhat was the sin that led to Moshe and Aharon's exclusion from entering the land? Apparently their leadership failure was apparent in the Sin of the Spies, but they were given another chance to prove they were the appropriate leaders to bring the nation to the Promised Land. The second chance presented itself in the story of the Waters of Meriva, but their second failure sealed their sentence.