This week's reading discusses the famous story of the 12 spies that Moses sent to scout the Land of Israel as the people waited on its borders, hoping to fulfill the Exodus. The tragic report of ten of the 12 leads to despair and 40 years of wandering in the desert.
The consolation: God ends the portion by instructing people about the laws of tithing from bread produced in the Land of Israel. Thus he renews the promise that they (or their children) will, one day, enter it.
I am always moved by the story of Caleb, son of Jepphunneh, going straight to Hebron to pay respects to the patriarchs and matriarchs, reaffirming the deep familial connection to the land, and the faith in the fulfillment of God's promise.
Today's episode is devoted to the second anniversary of the October 7 terror attacks. It was produced before the announcement of a ceasefire deal, yet remains current & relevant.
Please listen, and #bringthemhome.
SiriusXM Patriot 125, 7-10 p.m. ET (4-7 PT)
This week's portion is a beautiful poem, containing the Covenant between God and the people of Israel. But given the breaking news that Hamas may actually have agreed to release all of the Israeli hostages, I will devote my remarks to that.
One hopes it is true; if so, it makes this week's additional reading, from II Samuel 22, even more relevant: David's song of praise to the Lord for delivering him from the hand of his enemies.
"18 He rescued me from my powerful enemy,
from my foes, who were too strong for me.
19 They confronted me in the day of my disaster,
but the Lord was my support."
So much to focus on this week -- and much breaking news. A peace deal in the Middle East, perhaps? Eric Adams dropping out of the mayor's race? And a looming shutdown as Democrats push their demands beyond absurdity.
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