top of page
Search
Rabbi Eliezer Zalmanov

Staying the course

Imagine a tech company embarking on the development of a groundbreaking new product. The CEO envisions a device that will revolutionize how people interact with technology, and he communicates this vision clearly to his team. To ensure the product's success, he commissions extensive market research to understand consumer needs and preferences, expecting the findings to inform their approach to development.


The researchers, however, return not just with data on consumer behavior but also with their own opinions on whether the product will succeed, injecting doubt into the team’s confidence. This deviation from their original task of gathering data to inform strategy undermines the initial enthusiasm and clarity of purpose, leading to hesitation and a potential shift away from the company’s innovative vision.


The original objective of the research—to develop a clear, actionable plan—is overshadowed by the subjective conclusions of the team, much like the error made by the spies Moses sent to scout out the Promised Land on behalf of the Jewish people.


Moses believed that by sending scouts to survey the Land of Canaan, the Jews would gain a clearer picture of how to conquer it, thus becoming more eager and prepared for the task ahead. This preparatory step was not about questioning the feasibility of the mission but about strategizing the best approach to achieve their divinely ordained goal.


His decision to send the spies was rooted in the desire to make the Jewish People’s mission more tangible and comprehensible. By assessing the land firsthand, the people would not only understand the challenges but also appreciate the resources and opportunities that lay ahead. This knowledge was intended to bolster their enthusiasm and readiness to enter and conquer the land.


However, the spies’ journey did not unfold as intended. Their task was to observe and report on the practicalities of conquest. Moses instructed them to see how the land should be conquered, focusing on strategies and tactics rather than the feasibility of the mission itself. The error of the spies lay in overstepping these instructions. Instead of limiting their report to strategic observations, they drew their own conclusions about the possibility of success, casting doubt on the mission’s viability.


This deviation from their mandate led to a significant loss of morale among the Israelites. The spies’ subjective interpretation overshadowed the objective truth Moses sought. Their reports were tinged with personal fears and uncertainties, which spread panic and hesitation among the people. The fundamental lesson from this episode is the importance of adhering strictly to our divine directives and understanding our role within the framework of a higher purpose.


When we undertake our divine mission, it is natural to employ our own understanding and intellect. However, we must always remain conscious that our efforts are on behalf of a higher purpose. Our intellectual engagement should be aimed at uncovering and fulfilling the objective truth of our mission, not at validating our personal biases or fears. By maintaining this perspective, we can ensure that our actions and decisions are aligned with the divine will.


In practical terms, this means approaching our tasks with a clear understanding of the divine goals. It requires humility to recognize that our perspectives might be limited and that our primary role is to carry out the mission as intended by a higher authority. This approach cultivates a sense of purpose and direction, guiding us to use our intellect and abilities in the most effective and truthful manner.


By keeping our focus on the true objectives and resisting the temptation to impose our subjective conclusions, we can fulfill our divine mission with clarity, enthusiasm, and success. This alignment of purpose and action is the key to achieving our highest potential in both spiritual and practical realms.

5 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Foreign aid

The Jewish mission to make the world a home for G-d isn’t just a lofty idea; it’s a practical way of looking at our lives, no matter...

Living the blessing

I’m writing today on my way to New York City, where the International Kinus Hashluchim, the conference of Chabad emissaries, is being...

A parent's love

The relationship between a parent and child is one of the most natural bonds in our lives. It’s built on love, trust, and a deep...

Comments


bottom of page