Beshalach

Beshalach - Yael Unterman 

Yael Unterman is a writer, lecturer, creative educator and life coach, currently residing in Jerusalem (www.yaelunterman.com).

The opening verse of Beshalach tells us that "God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, lest perhaps the people repent when they see war, and return to Egypt." Why was a roundabout route. necessary?

The Midrash (Exodus Rabbah 20:11) suggests that the direct road was strewn with bleached bones. They belonged to a group of Israelites from the tribe of Ephraim, who had left Egypt thirty years too early. Such a sight would send the people fleeing back to the land of bondage, and must be avoided.

But how could such a grave error occur on the part of the Ephraimites? The aforementioned Midrash suggests that they miscalculated the time for redemption. Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer (47:2) tells a different story: Nun, a descendant of Ephraim, announced to his fellow tribe members that God Himself had commanded him to take them out without waiting further. This arrogant act of misguided leadership had calamitous results - the Egyptians gave chase and 200 000 Ephraimites died.

Fast forward to Numbers 13. The twelve spies, sent to check out the lay of the land, have returned and are making their public report in the Israelite encampment. Ten spies are coming out with negative, defeatist statements, likely to sour any desire to enter the Promised Land. The other two spies are Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun - the very same Nun described above as leading his people to their death. Who is it that speaks up loudly to drown out the naysayers - "Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it!" (13:30)? It is Caleb. And Joshua - where are you? Your silence is deafening!

Perhaps, we can suggest in light of the Midrash, Joshua has been burned by witnessing the presumption of his father. Perhaps he even recognizes the pushy, pioneer trait inherent in Joseph, father of Ephraim. Joseph leads the way to Egypt; likewise, Messiah son of Joseph will herald the way for Messiah son of David.

Joshua, recognizing the dangers of this mode, flees from it, thinking, "Is now really the time to go to the Promised Land? Let us not be hasty and pushy, and end up bleached bones in this land too." For what might be only a split second of doubt, he holds back, and fails to be God's man. G-d recognizes Caleb alone for having "another spirit" in him and following God fully (14:24). Later, Joshua will have many triumphs; but this is not his best moment.

In our own lives, we often see strong convictions causing trouble for others and ourselves, when applied arrogantly and indiscriminately. Yet we must not let this lead to crippling self-doubt when called to action. Balance and timing are key. Had Joshua put aside the memory of his father's error, and spoken up in accordance with his true convictions, he might have prevented forty years of miserable wanderings, and the death of an entire generation. Who knows?