Shelach - Seek & Look Around!

Seek & Look Around....

“And what the land is, whether it is plentiful or bare, be there trees, or not……”  (13:20)

It is explained by Rashi that “TREE” is metaphorically referring to an honorable and righteous person who shall protect and defend his domain! A very admirable characteristic indeed.

We all are aware that Moses was sending in ‘the spies’, should he not have sent them in with a directive of searching for an honorable person and a home of righteousness, prayer, and sincere study of Torah?  Why then did Moses send them to just public areas?  I see the answer is rather simplistic in nature, but with deep thought; when a city/town has a population of honorable and righteous persons and those who govern, it is reflective upon the city/town itself!  As I’ve shared before, the influence of a person and his/her solid attributes and sincere beliefs are not bound by a ‘wall’, but rather felt by the community where he/she resides, and the proactive energy of his/her love, and behaviors are permeated throughout……….. sort of like a “Temple without Walls”

I believe that members of his/her surroundings are or have been directly ‘touched’ by his/her positive presence and have made an impact statement.  It was Teddy Roosevelt that exclaimed, “Speak softly and carry a big stick”.  In other words, walk the walk, and not just talk the talk!

In places, such as cities, townships, and villages throughout…… that maintain and have presence of TORAH and sincere study, and leadership that lends a strong hand, are reflective on its own surrounding society and has a proactive and positive impact of the population!  Religion & belief, and spirituality play an integral part!  This also absolutely applies to you and me – Don’t just say it, practice it, even if it is one good deed, one helping hand, one proactive and positive action at a time; it ALL builds up,…..and allows spiritual growth, internal growth that is absolutley felt ,and an overall positive glow, a happy persona to those that surround themselves around you!

May I then surmise that Moses sent the ‘spies’ to the cities/towns/villages to actually observe behavior and to see if 'religious and spiritual righteousness' was present in the communities? He was looking and searching for the positive and proactive behaviors! 

When we move to a new area, we have a strong desire to make acquaintances, neighbors, friends that have attributes that ‘we’ feel are positive, radiant, spiritually induced, and just good people.  Do ‘we’ check the neighborhood out before we may purchase a new home? Yes!  Do we call or visit with the parent(s) of a new friend of our child?  Yes!  Do we look at a profile of a person ‘we’ are unsure about on Social Media??? Yes!  Do we walk around or visit a restaurant or public places when we are planning an event to celebrate?  Yes, in safer times, we do!~    Of course we do!

Surrounding oneself with positive influences is important and vital for our own personal growth, spiritual, professional, and loving growth, and social makeup and responsibility! Just as important,if not more,  We ALL must also look at ourselves in the mirror and reflective our positive influence!  Especially at this time, of turmoil, be THAT positive influence upon them, and seek positive influences as well!

Moses was NO different!