I had a bit of a grumpy time yesterday around the scheduling of several video interviews. I love the hosts, and I appreciate their time, but video is so hard to pull off. It requires you to stay home, and to stop whatever else you are doing.
I realize that consumers of news are increasingly turning to video (though I don't quite understand the appeal of just watching someone talk into a mic). But who has time to make all that video? Especially if you're gathering news?
I'm a fan of radio and always have been. Podcasts are also great. I just can't think of any reason to tie up 2 of my senses for content that I can consume with one. Especially with four kids, work to do, a house to clean, etc. etc.
There are exceptions, of course. I think there are great TV programs, panel discussions, etc. that are much better in a visual medium (though still good in audio alone). But unless you have that level of production value... I don't get it. Doesn't seem worth it.
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
