This Parsha sees one of the biggest tragedies of Bnei Yisrael’s sojourn in the desert. The people are on the cusp of realising their dream of entering the land of Israel and the fulfilment of the Exodus. Twelve spies enter the land of Israel but only two return with a positive outlook, with trust in G-d and a determination to conquer the promised land. Unfortunately, the people follow the ten with a negative opinion, and the nation is decreed to spend 40 years in the desert.

Yehoshua and Kalev were the two spies who spoke positively about the land of Israel. We would expect Yehoshua, Moshe’s faithful student, to exhibit an unrelenting faith in G-d but there is something special about Kalev. G-d Himself explains that “היתה רוח אחרת עמו” – “he had a special spirit within him”. What made Kalev different from the other spies that he is singled out for his special spirit?

1. Before the spies leave for their mission, Moshe davens for Yehoshua to be saved from the counsel of the other spies and adds a ‘Yud’ to his name, transforming his name from Hoshea to Yehoshua. Kalev did not receive any external bracha. Instead, he leaves with the other spies and, while on the site-seeing trip around the country, makes a special journey to Chevron to daven at the graves of his forefathers.

It is interesting that the punishment for the episode of the spies is 40 years – one year for each day the spies spent touring the land of Israel. G-d always ensures that the punishment fits the crime. If that is the case, why would they be punished for every day they spent in Israel when the crime was the words they spoke on their return? The answer is that they spent the 40 days in Israel with a negative perspective – seeking the aspects that would deter the people from wanting to enter the country. If that is the case, they spent 40 days in sin and therefore received 40 years as punishment. 

In contrast, Kalev recognised the danger of being surrounded by this mindset and separated himself from the group. He went to Chevron to daven and spent all 40 days working on himself and struggling to overcome the influence of the others. This is a special spirit indeed!

2. When the spies return, they discourage the people from conquering the land. Kalev quickly responds with the inspiring exhortation,
   
   

“עָלֹה נַעֲלֶה וְיָרַשְׁנוּ אֹתָהּ כִּי יָכוֹל נוּכַל לָהּ”

“We should surely go up and conquer it for we can do it!”
Not only does Kalev encourage the people, but Rashi explains that Kalev is hinting here to a ladder. If G-d asked us to climb a ladder to the Heavens then we would start climbing, now He is telling us to enter the land of Israel, we can do that too! Kalev is reminding the people, and us too, that of course we have lofty aspirations but we should never be discouraged. We should take it step by step, just like climbing a ladder, and we will slowly but surely reach our goal. Kalev once again exhibited his special spirit!

As this year of MTC is drawing to a close, this special group of girls remind me of Kalev. They really each have a special spirit within them and truly exemplify the greatness of Kalev.

Just like Kalev, they have encouraged each other.

Just like Kalev, they have taken responsibility for their own growth.

Just like Kalev, they have connected to the power of their roots – they are a credit to their families and their avot and imahot.

Just like Kalev, they have taken the spirit of their history to inspire them in the present to become better people in the future.

Just like Kalev, they have approached their religious and personal growth one step at a time, truly conquering lofty heights.

And I am sure, that just like Kalev and our esteemed MTC alumni whose ranks they will soon join, that the fruits of their efforts this year in their Torah, Chessed and friendships will last forever.