Shelach

The MTC year has come to an end, and we could not be prouder of our students who have all grown tremendously. As they head back, we are confident that they will contribute to their families, the Jewish People, and society as a whole. But this adjustment is always a hard one. They are leaving the safe, warm, beautiful bubble that is MTC with a profound sense of uncertainty, of wandering, as they look towards the new, uncharted chapter of their lives.

It is so fitting that this week’s parsha is Shelach. The meraglim in the parsha come back to the Jewish People with a horrifying report of the Land of Israel. There is so much to be said about just that occurrence, but I want to focus on what happens after.

The entire Nation receives the punishment of wandering. They will need to wander the desert for 40 years before coming home to Israel. This decree is understandably met with tremendous trepidation. What will be? What will our world look like now? How can I know that tomorrow will bring me safety and happiness?

The human race thrives off stability. We need certainty in our lives in order to exist and certainly in order to flourish. The punishment of wandering and instability was extremely significant for the Jewish People as a whole and as individuals. It was too much to bear.

So, G-d tells Moshe to give the Jewish People a mitzvah. Give them the mitzvah of challah. Why challah? How will this help the Jews feel a sense of security in the desert?

The answer carries an important message for our students today. By giving the Jews the mitzvah of challah, a mitzvah that can only be performed by Kohanim in Jerusalem, in the Bet Hamikdash, G-d was relaying the message that they must all hold onto hope. They will spend this time wandering, but they will remain strong and be able to accomplish everything they dreamed of.

It is with this message that I choose to sign off the MTC 5783 year. If we see the mitzvot as something that we can hold onto, something that we can love and yearn for, then it doesn’t matter where we go next. The Jews held onto the hope of challah in the desert. We can hold onto the hope of staying strong on His path wherever we are.

I want to give all our students a bracha that they will always remember how happy they were being submerged in Torah and Chessed and no matter where they go next, they should see the mitzvot they hope for and love, like the Jewish people saw the mitzvah of challah, as attainable, as something that is close. 

Our 5783 MTC students were a blessing, and this year was a blessing. I am confident that they will face the world with their heads held high, holding the firm belief that whatever comes next, they know who they are, and they know what matters most.

Wishing everyone a wonderful and safe summer.

Shabbat Shalom.