1. The Parsha of Shlach and the Lesson of Emunah
We begin this week with Parshas Shlach, which opens with the story of the meraglim—the spies sent to scout Eretz Yisrael. While there are many other topics in the parsha, our focus is on this foundational episode. It’s more than just a historical account or a personal lesson; it’s a general lesson in emunah—faith and trust in Hashem. The story challenges us not to fall for our own rational thinking, not to believe that we can always figure out the best way forward with our intellect alone. This idea became very real for me through a personal experience involving my daughter Mushki. My wife Sarah was convinced, even before Mushki was born, that she would have a boy and name him after her father who had recently passed away. She was so sure, despite all logic, that when the doctor announced it was a girl, she asked him to check again! This wasn’t rational thinking—it was an emotional certainty.2. Personal Story: Faith Versus Rationality in Crisis
Reflecting on my father-in-law’s life, I see someone who survived both physically and spiritually after the Holocaust. He lost almost his entire family but managed to rebuild, raising children and grandchildren who continue his legacy within the Jewish community. His passing coincided with our wedding anniversary and Mushki coming home from the hospital—a sign of life’s continuation. During Mushki’s health crisis, I found myself relying on what doctors said—accepting their dire predictions as fact because I considered myself rational. Sarah, however, refused to accept their prognosis. She argued with the doctor (a religious man himself), insisting on believing in miracles and refusing to give up hope. She told him outright: “If you don’t believe in miracles, I don’t want you treating my daughter.” In the end, her faith proved justified—Mushki recovered completely against all odds. This experience brought together people from all backgrounds—Jewish, Christian, Muslim doctors working together—and resulted in a tremendous kiddush Hashem—a sanctification of Hashem’s name—through Sarah’s unwavering positivity and refusal to despair.3. Miracles and Rational Explanations
Looking back at what happened with Mushki, it almost seems silly from a rational perspective to ignore medical expertise. Yet not only did everything turn out well, but even the skeptical doctor later admitted there was nothing wrong at all—no heart condition as initially feared. He called it a fluke and said there was no need for concern going forward. Sarah’s certainty inspired everyone around her. We were so sure this was an open miracle from Hashem that even after time passed and explanations were offered (maybe it was electrolytes or something she ate), we couldn’t deny what had happened. The doctor himself became a believer after witnessing such an unexpected turnaround. This ties into how we sometimes explain away miracles—whether it’s medical recoveries or historical events like Israel’s victory in the Six-Day War—by attributing them to natural causes or good fortune rather than recognizing Hashem’s hand.4. The Struggle Between Faith and Intellect
The core struggle highlighted by both personal experience and Parshas Shlach is between faith (emunah) and intellect (seichel). The Rambam teaches us to use our minds to understand as much as possible about Hashem—to study deeply so our service is passionate and meaningful rather than robotic or superficial. When we articulate our understanding—whether about Hashem or even about those we love—we deepen our appreciation and excitement for what we do. This is central to Chassidus: by elaborating on ideas of faith intellectually, we internalize them more deeply. However, there are times when intellect fails us—when situations arise that defy explanation or understanding. At those moments, we must rely on faith alone: “Hashem, I don’t understand what’s happening but I trust You.” This doesn’t exempt us from trying to understand where possible but reminds us that not everything is within human grasp.5. Lessons from Shaul HaMelech and the Meraglim
Jewish history provides powerful examples of this tension between intellect and subjugation to Hashem’s will. Shaul HaMelech lost his kingdom because he used his own reasoning instead of following Hashem’s command through Shmuel HaNavi regarding Amalek—choosing what seemed logical (saving cattle for offerings) over direct obedience. Similarly, Moshe Rabbeinu sent only the most distinguished leaders as spies into Eretz Yisrael—people who were great tzaddikim, sages at their peak when chosen. Yet they returned with a negative report not because they doubted Moshe personally but because their own rationale led them astray—they questioned whether conquering Eretz Yisrael was possible instead of focusing on how best to do so as instructed. Hashem sometimes wants us not just to follow orders blindly but also to invest ourselves—to use our initiative within His framework without deviating from His mission. The Rebbe would send shluchim—emissaries—with broad goals rather than micromanaging every detail: “Bring Hashem to people; bring people closer to Hashem.” But always remain true to your mission without substituting your own ideas for Hashem’s will.6. The Pitfall of Greatness: When Leaders Falter
Ironically, it is often those who are most accomplished—the greatest scholars and leaders—who struggle most with subjugation (bittul) before Moshe Rabbeinu or before Hashem Himself. Their very greatness can make it harder for them to fully surrender their own judgment when necessary. Chassidic teachings explain that even the meraglim had good intentions: life in the desert was spiritually ideal—no work worries, constant miracles, direct connection with Hashem through Moshe Rabbeinu—and they feared losing this spiritual level upon entering Eretz Yisrael with its material distractions and challenges. Throughout history (such as during Napoleon’s wars), Jewish leaders have debated whether openness and opportunity might threaten religious commitment—a similar fear of losing spiritual focus amid material success. But ultimately Hashem did not intend for us to remain insulated in the desert forever—the purpose of creation is dira b’tachtonim—to reveal godliness within this physical world by transforming its challenges into opportunities for holiness.7. Building Unshakable Faith Amid Life's Challenges
The lesson from both Parshas Shlach and personal experience is clear: while rationality has its place (and we must act responsibly within nature), true blessing comes when our actions are grounded in unshakable faith in Hashem’s goodness and kindness. Doctors are agents of healing—but only agents of Hashem—not prophets of doom! If we maintain positivity rooted in deep belief—even when circumstances seem bleak—we become vessels for blessing (bracha). Women often exemplify this deeper form of rationality—a trust rooted so firmly in emunah that it inspires everyone around them. Sarah insisted “Hashem would never do this to me,” refusing any other possibility—and her conviction gave strength not just to herself but also changed those around her (including skeptical doctors). Her positive energy brought about real change—a living example of how emunah can transform reality itself.8. The Power of Positive Thinking: Tracht Gut Vet Zayn Gut
Our mindset shapes our reality more than we realize. While many circumstances are beyond our control (where we’re born, family situations), how we feel about them—and especially how we relate emotionally toward Hashem—is within our power. The Tzemach Tzedek famously said: Tracht gut vet zayn gut—if you think positively, things will be positive! The Rebbe explained that while not everything turns out well naturally, trust itself has power—it draws down blessing from above by making us proper vessels for bracha. Even if maintaining such positivity seems foolish or naive (“foolishness” like making others happy at weddings), Chazal teach that such behavior can elevate a person above others precisely because it helps people overcome anxiety and worry through joy and encouragement. So always stay positive—for your health, your family, your situation—and never give up hope or allow negative thoughts space in your mind or heart. Not only will this help you cope better—it may actually change your reality for the better! Of course we must do everything possible within nature—but never forget that ultimate healing comes from Hashem alone. May we all merit open miracles through unwavering faith in Hashem—and may happiness fill our lives so completely that emunah becomes second nature rather than necessity!