Bs”d
Parshas Shlach (5762)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
In our sedra, in the aftermath of the realization of their guilt in accepting the slander, we find a misguided attempt by Clal Yisroel to rectify their grave sin. Almost in a state of hysteria, they gathered their forces to fight for Eretz Yisroel. This is a lesson which is extremely pertinent; after the realization of wrongdoing comes to light we are overcome with great pangs of guilt which can lead to irrational, illogical acts to rectify our blunders. This can be much worse than the original sins. We must never lose ourselves and always find the way of Hashem for the true repentance and spiritual rehabilitation.
In Perek 12:39 the pasuk relates: “Vayisablu HaAm Meod”. After the sin Clal Yisroel fell into a great sadness. This is one of the worst outcomes of sin; a remorse that leads to depression, which is in itself a great catastrophe. The individual is unsuspectingly under the false impression that this is all part of a very successful ‘teshuva’, repentance. There is no place in our serving Hashem for ‘atzvus’, depression. R’ Chaim Vital refers to it as one of the greatest spiritual pitfalls.
We are living in a time of history that we are surrounded by many spiritual pitfalls and therefore prone to fall in their traps (Hashem should watch over us and protect us). We should keep this inspiring lesson before us always.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.