Embracing Light and Perspective: Lessons from Parashat Beha’alotecha and Shelach Lecha

The Ever-Burning Flame of Torah

In Parashat Beha’alotecha, we learn about the mitzvah of lighting the Menorah in the Beit HaMikdash. The flame had to be lit until it was strong and rising — She’tihe hashalhevet oleh me’aleha — burning independently.

Key Lessons:

• Torah is light – “Torah Ohr” illuminates the world.

• Even when it's hard to engage in learning Torah, we must make an effort to ignite that light.

• Our mitzvah is not only to kindle our own flame but also to help others find their light — teaching and inspiring them to learn Torah on their own.

• Spreading Torah wisdom does not diminish our own light — on the contrary, it strengthens and elevates us.

Spreading Light Through Others

At the end of Beha’alotecha, when Moshe appoints 70 elders to help him lead, Chazal compare the transmission of his spirit to the lighting of many candles from one — without diminishing the original flame.

The lesson? The more we share Torah and wisdom, the more we grow ourselves.

The Power of Perspective: Lessons from the Spies

In Parashat Shelach Lecha, the story of the Meraglim (spies) reminds us that everything in life depends on perspective.

Why Send Spies?

• Bnei Yisrael were about to enter and conquer Eretz Yisrael — it was natural to want to prepare.

• They couldn’t rely solely on miracles — hishtadlut (effort) is required.

• Each tribe sought to see the land with their own eyes, anticipating their future portion.

What Went Wrong?

• The mission wasn’t truly necessary — the land division would later be done through the Goral and Urim v’Tumim.

• The spies left with fear and doubt — “Va’yeilchu va’yavo’u” — they returned with the same negative perspective.

• Their initial mindset shaped how they saw everything: fear led to distorted vision.

Life Lessons on Perspective

• Your inner attitude colors your experiences.Enter with fear, and you will see obstacles. Enter with faith, and you will see opportunity.

• Like the spies, when we approach life with negativity, we often cause unnecessary suffering — the crying of Tisha B’Av began here.

• Gratitude is key.Ungratefulness is a destructive trait. Hashem teaches us that appreciation and positive perspective lead to growth and redemption.

The Symbolism of Challah: An Eternal Thread of Hope

Right after the story of the spies, Hashem gave Am Yisrael the mitzvah of Challah — a mitzvah of connection, gratitude, and perspective, deeply meaningful especially for women.

The Ingredients of Spiritual Growth:

• Flour – our sustenance; a gift from Hashem.

• Water – the flow of persistence in life.

• Eggs – symbol of growth and renewal.

• Oil – brings light; our role to illuminate the world.

• Yeast – teaches us to rise, even when faced with challenges.

When separating Challah, we gather these strengths, and with the bracha “Lehafrish Challah min ha’isa,” we acknowledge Hashem’s role in helping us transform our efforts into something holy.

Final Reflections

As we move through life, may we remember:

• Our perspective shapes our reality.Choose faith over fear, gratitude over complaint.

• Our efforts to spread light strengthen us. Like the Menorah and the elders — the more Torah and kindness we share, the more our own light grows.

• Every mitzvah, even simple daily acts like baking Challah, connects us to higher purpose.Through intention, gratitude, and perspective, we can elevate the ordinary into the extraordinary.