1. Looking Beyond the Surface
Many times, we are quick to judge based on external appearances, but the Torah teaches us to look deeper. Just as the saying goes, “don’t judge a book by its cover,” so too with people and situations—the superficial layer often hides a much more profound reality. For example, someone who dresses well may be perceived positively, while someone who appears sloppy might be judged harshly. I recall an experience at jury duty where a man’s unconventional appearance led to his dismissal from the jury pool, simply because of how he looked. Yet, we know that true value lies within: a person’s soul and heart can be powerful and close to Hashem even if their external observance or behavior doesn’t match our expectations. Hasidic thought emphasizes finding the mystical and inner meaning in everything. When learning a parsha or story in the Torah, it is important to first understand the literal sense, but then to peel away layers and discover deeper insights. Often what seems obvious at first glance is transformed with further explanation and contemplation.2. Engaging With Others and Our Environment
We all strive to make a positive impact on those around us—our families, friends, and communities. Sometimes, however, we hesitate to associate with people we perceive as being on a lower level than ourselves, whether in knowledge or character. There is a concern that spending time with others might detract from our own growth or even negatively influence us or our children. This leads some to believe that insulating oneself—creating a protective bubble—is the best way to maintain spiritual integrity. Similarly, most of our daily lives are spent on mundane tasks: work, household responsibilities, and other obligations. Only a small portion of our day is dedicated to Torah study or prayer. This raises the question: when are we truly fulfilling Hashem’s will? Is it during prayer and study, or while engaged in everyday activities? On a superficial level, one might think that only spiritual pursuits connect us to Hashem.3. The Story of the Meraglim (Spies) in Parshat Shelach
In Parshat Shelach, we read about the episode of the spies sent to scout out Eretz Yisrael. Despite Hashem’s repeated assurances that the land was good—“a land flowing with milk and honey”—the Jewish people insisted on sending scouts for their own reassurance. Moshe Rabbeinu hoped that by agreeing to their request they would reconsider out of trust for Hashem’s promise, but they persisted. The spies returned with a negative report: while acknowledging the land’s goodness and bounty, they claimed it was unconquerable. Rashi explains that their claim that it was “a land which consumes its inhabitants” was based on witnessing many funerals during their visit—a phenomenon Hashem orchestrated so locals would be preoccupied and not notice them. Yet they interpreted this as something negative. This event took place on Tisha B’Av, marking the beginning of many future tragedies for Am Yisrael on this date.4. The Spiritual Challenge Faced by Great People
It is important to note that Moshe did not send evil people as spies; rather, he chose individuals of great stature from each tribe. How could such great people make such a grave mistake? Their error lay in relying solely on logical reasoning instead of foundational trust in Hashem. Despite having personally experienced countless miracles—protection from dangerous animals in the desert through ananei hakavod—clouds of glory and the aron—Holy Ark, miraculous sustenance through man—manna from heaven (for which they recited “hamotzi lechem min hashamayim”) and water from be'er Miriam—the Well of Miriam—they still doubted Hashem’s ability to bring them into Eretz Yisrael. Even after witnessing open miracles like kriyat yam suf—the splitting of the sea (which Chazal compare in difficulty to making matches), their faith faltered when faced with new challenges.5. The Deeper Motivation Behind Refusing Eretz Yisrael
The Rebbe explains that the spies’ reluctance was rooted not only in fear of physical defeat but also in spiritual concerns. Life in the desert was entirely spiritual: no work or material exertion was required as all needs were miraculously provided by Hashem. The man was spiritual bread without waste or negative qualities; water came miraculously from Miriam’s well. Entering Eretz Yisrael meant leaving behind this miraculous existence for one requiring hard work: plowing fields for bread and digging wells for water. The spies feared losing their spiritual level amidst material concerns and preferred remaining insulated within an environment wholly devoted to spirituality—a perpetual kollel-like existence where all needs are provided so one can focus solely on Torah. However, this is not what Hashem desires for us long-term. The desert experience served as preparation: absorbing spirituality so we can later engage with the world while retaining our connection to holiness.6. Miracles Within Nature Versus Supernatural Miracles
The spies believed miracles were possible only when living outside nature (as in the desert), but once entering Eretz Yisrael where life follows natural laws, they doubted whether Hashem would continue performing miracles within nature itself. Yehoshua and Kolev countered this argument by asserting that if Hashem wills it, He can help us succeed even within natural means—b'derech hateva. There are two types of miracles: supernatural ones (which break nature) and those hidden within nature itself (where events unfold naturally but are guided by divine providence). The latter demonstrates an even greater expression of Hashem’s unity with creation because both nature and above-nature operate together under His will. A contemporary example illustrates this point: A father brought his child who could not speak clearly before the Rebbe for a blessing during dollar distribution. With prompting from the Rebbe, the child recited “moda ani lefanecha...”, something he had never been able to do before despite therapy attempts up until then. While some tried rationalizing it as not being an open miracle since he could speak somewhat beforehand, it remained clear that this was an extraordinary event occurring within natural parameters—a miracle dressed up as nature.7. Applying These Lessons To Our Lives
The lesson is clear: Hashem wants us not just cloistered away in spiritual pursuits but actively engaged with worldly matters while infusing them with holiness. The ultimate goal is not seclusion but sanctifying daily life through honest work and positive influence on others. Just as Am Yisrael had to leave behind their “bubble” in the desert for real life in Eretz Yisrael—taking responsibility for themselves materially while maintaining spiritual focus—so too must we move beyond our comfort zones into environments where challenges exist but opportunities for sanctification abound. This applies both personally (leaving behind student life or comfort zones) and communally (engaging with those different from ourselves). We should not fear being dragged down spiritually by involvement with others or worldly affairs if our intent is pure and aligned with Hashem’s mission for us.8. Courage To Fulfill Our Mission In The World
Ultimately, success comes when we embrace our role as partners with Hashem in elevating creation through everyday actions done l’shem shamayim—for Heaven’s sake—whether at work or at home or interacting with others outside our immediate circle. Many have seen success beyond expectation when venturing out into new environments—on shlichus or otherwise—despite rational arguments against doing so. If we step out from our “midbar,” our cocoon of comfort or isolation, trusting in Hashem’s guidance while doing our part responsibly, He will help us succeed both spiritually and materially—and enable us to transform ourselves and our surroundings into places filled with holiness. May we have courage to go beyond what we expect of ourselves—and merit true success!