Words From Rabbi White

Back in the academic year 84-85, I had the privilege of spending a sabbatical in Jerusalem. Shortly after our arrival in August, we received a very sad phone call from New York: my mother-in-law had passed away, and the funeral would be held the following morning in Queens, New York. There would be no way for my wife to return to America in time for the funeral.

Now, under normal conditions, the close relatives are considered in a state of “aninut,” and are exempt from certain mitsvot, as they are consumed with grief and also making preparations for the burial. But what was my wife supposed to do, 9100 km away? I suggested, and my wife agreed, that we should take a trip to Chevron, to the Me`arat HaMachpelah, the burial of our forefathers and mothers: Avraham, Yitschak, Yaakov, Sara, Rivkah, and Leah: the burial plot that had been purchased by Avraham for an astronomical price, showing physical proof of our connection to the Land. I consulted with one of the world’s leading Torah scholars in Jerusalem, who gave his approval to my suggestion.

We hailed a taxi, and asked the “nehag,” the driver, to take us to the Cave of Machpelah, and back.  At first, he refused. I remember his response, “‘ani mefached,” “I am afraid.” However, whether because he wanted to do a mitsvah, or because he was enticed by the high fare, he agreed. And as we approached the Cave, this secular driver reached into his pocket, put on his kipah, took out his Tehillim. (Only in Israel!)

In this week’s parasha, 12 leaders of tribes are chosen to proceed the rest of the people and to inspect the land. As we all know, only Caleb and Joshua returned with a positive and encouraging report. Caleb said: “let us go up and take possession of it, for we can do it!” The other 10 all suggested “nittenah rosh,” which can mean either “let’s turn our heads around and go back to Egypt,” or “let’s select another leader, who will take us back to Egypt.” 

I can understand why Joshua supported Moses, since he had been Moses’ trusty apprentice, and also had been the one who defeated Amalek (in Sefer Shemot.)  But what made Caleb go contrary to the groupthink? Well, while the “meraglim” had stopped off at the kiosk for a falafel and a coke [well, not really] Caleb left the group and went to the Cave of Machpelah, where praying at the graves of our ancestors gave him inspiration and courage. As Rashi explained: Caleb prostrated himself at the graves of the avot, and prayed that he not be influenced by the others. 

We receive strength from the memories of our parents. 

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This Shabbat is the 23rd of Sivan. According to chapter 8 verse 9 of the Book of Esther, this was the day when messengers went throughout Persia informing all that Haman’s decree had been rescinded.

Shabbat shalom, shalom `al Yisrael

Rabbi Menahem White