Perashat Beha'alotekha 5778

Perashat Beha'alotekha 5778

Perashat Beha'alotekha describes one of the most challenging periods in Am Yisrael's history. After departing the spiritually elevating atmosphere of Mount Sinai, the people wandered the vast desolate desert, sporadically stopping and going forth on their way to the Promised Land. The only direction they had was G-d's sign of the position of the Clouds of Glory over their encampment.

The perasha describes this in full detail: "When the cloud lingered over the Mishkan for many days, the children of Israel kept the charge of Hashem and did not travel. Sometimes, the cloud remained for several days above the Mishkan; at Hashem's bidding they traveled and at Hashem's bidding they encamped. Sometimes the cloud remained from evening until morning, and when the cloud departed in the morning, they traveled. Or, the cloud remained for a day and a night, and when the cloud departed, they traveled. Whether it was for two days, a month or a year, that the cloud lingered to hover over the Mishkan, the children of Israel would encamp and not travel, and when it departed, they traveled..." (Bamidbar 9:19-22).

In Rambam's The Guide to the Perplexed he expounds on this measured description. Other nations, intent on maligning the Jewish people, might claim that the Jews were lost in the desert and wandered aimlessly in their 40 year excursion. The Torah points out in detail that this was not true. When Am Yisrael encamped, whether it be one night or 18 years, it was all under Hashem's guidance.

Another reason that the Torah elaborates on the details of their movements was to shine a light on the faith and determination of Am Yisrael during their time in the desert. Journeying without a plan, sometimes for weeks on end, and at times not advancing for a long period was extremely stressful and bewildering for Am Yisrael. Although the nation lacked stability, they still looked to the Divine Providence by following those Clouds of Glory. 

The great commentator Ohr HaHaim makes this very point, "It also pays a compliment to the Israelites who made their own wishes correspond to G-d's wishes. The verse first tells about instances when the cloud remained stationary for a long period by stating that whenever the cloud remained in place for a long time the Israelites were willing to remain encamped in that location during the entire length of time that the cloud showed no sign of moving."

The prophet Yirmeyahu echoes this when he says, "So said Hashem, I remember you by the loving kindness of your youth, the love of your nuptials, your following Me in the desert, in a land not sown." 

In our path towards the Geula (redemption), we must always be reminded of G-d's protection. Sometimes it seems as if the Geula is nearer than ever, and sometimes it seems as if it is beyond our reach. We must remember that this journey is not orchestrated by us but rather by Bore Olam who is navigating history to bring us gradually towards our destiny.

Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Mimoun MiIler