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Dear Friends,

The sin of the spies marked a pivotal turning point in Jewish history, one with deeply painful and long-lasting consequences. Rashi on Tehillim (106:27) teaches that the night Bnei Yisrael wept over the spies' report was none other than Tisha B'Av. This date would tragically become associated with some of the most devastating moments in our national story, including the destruction of both Temples, the Spanish Expulsion in 1492, and many other calamities. All future misfortunes, in some form, trace their spiritual roots back to this moment of despair.

But why was the punishment for this sin more severe than that of the Golden Calf? Furthermore, why does Kalev, in trying to calm the people, declare with such emphasis, "עלה נעלה," a double expression meaning, "we shall surely ascend"? Rashi, citing the Talmud in Sotah (34a), explains that Kalev meant: Even if G-d tells us to go up to the heavens, we will build ladders and go. At first glance, this sounds absurd. How could Kalev suggest something so impossible?

The answer lies in perspective. Unlike the other spies who viewed the mission through a lens of fear and defeat, Kalev approached it with faith and determination. Where they said, "We can't," Kalev insisted, "We must, and we will." His point wasn't about physical ladders; it was about spiritual mindset. If Hashem is with us, there is no such thing as impossible.

Ultimately, Bnei Yisrael remained in the wilderness for forty years, not merely as a punishment but because a generation with a defeated spirit could not be the ones to build Eretz Yisrael. That sacred task required builders fueled by belief, not fear.

We are reminded of this lesson today as we watch Israel confront the daunting threats posed by Iran and its proxies. Despite the odds, we continue to witness the unshakable resolve and courage of Am Yisrael. Our true strength lies not only in our defenses but also in our tefillos. When we turn to Hashem with sincerity and unity, there is no challenge we cannot overcome.

The lesson is as relevant today as ever: whether building spiritually or materially, progress demands a mindset of possibility. If we let the 'we can't' mentality dominate, nothing of value will ever be built. But with faith, courage, and resolve, be"H, we can ascend far higher than we ever imagined.

Wishing you an uplifting Shabbos,

Rabbi Shlomo Gabay



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