I am thinking about Memorial Day today, and I can't help but note the contrast in how Israel observes their version of the holiday -- with a true solemn day of mourning -- versus how we celebrate it, with all kinds of fun and barbecues.
Actually, let me rephrase that. There's nothing wrong with having fun on Memorial Day. I'm sure at least some of those who gave their lives for our country would want us to enjoy our freedom and leisure as much as possible.
I suppose I feel like it's not clear right now if we are honoring their sacrifice by making sure that this country is in the best shape it could be -- and making it the kind of place worth sacrificing for in future. We have lost a lot of faith.
I'm hoping the next presidency can restore that faith -- though so many Americans are primed to hate the "other side." It will take a great deal of skill to bring us together again -- if that is even possible. I certainly hope it is...
This is the portion that all journalists should love: the Torah tells the story of the 12 spies, only two of whom tell the truth when the other ten shade it in a negative away (perhaps to suit a political agenda that is opposed to Moses).
It's not that the ten "lying" spies misconstrue the facts about the Land of Israel; rather, they interject their opinions that the land is impossible to conquer, which strikes unnecessary terror into the hearts of the people.
We have many examples of such fake news today -- from the Iranian propaganda outlets spreading false claims that they are winning the war, to California politicians spreading false horror stories about ICE raids in L.A.
The people realize, too late, that they have been fooled, and once they are condemned to die in the desert, they try to rush into Israel -- only to be defeated by the inhabitants, as the spies predicted that they would be.
But as consolation, God gives the people new commandments -- focused on things they must ...
This week's portion discusses the procedure for lighting the menorah, the holy seven-branched lamp, in the Tabernacle (and later the Temple). It also describes an episode where the people crave meat, and God punishes them by giving it to them in excess. We also read the story of Miriam, Moses's sister, who is punished with the spiritual skin blemish of tzara'at for speaking about her brother, thus violating the prohibition against lashon hara (evil tongue).
I heard a fantastic sermon this week about the lighting of the menorah: that while only the priests were qualified to clean and purify the menorah, anyone could light it. A reminder that each of us can inspire others along the way.
This week we study the vow of the Nazirite; a reminder that sometimes trying to be too holy is excessive, and the best we can do is to be the best that we are.
https://www.chabad.org/parshah/torahreading_cdo/aid/2495720/p/complete/jewish/Naso-Torah-Reading.htm
