Parshas Massei begins with reciting our journey from Mitzrayim to Eretz Yisroel, listing all the stops along the way. Many meforshim point out the spiritual journey which was necessary in order to fully transform from slaves into the Am Hanivchar. Indeed, the Rambam who in several places adamantly proclaims that the unfolding of the world and its history is in mans hands, says seemingly contradictorily that it was always Hashem's plan for Bnei Yisroel to spend forty years in the Midbar. It was simply inconceivable to leave slavery and within one year rise to the level of spirituality needed to be the Ohr Lagoyim for time infinite.
I have had the privilege to spend substantial time in Eretz Yisroel over the last twenty years. Recently, when I have been going three weeks at a time it has become rather common for Goyim and even some Jews to say to me “aren't you afraid to be there?” I answer them quite honestly that I am not. I usually then take time to explain to the inquisitor what they simply cannot understand from afar. I actually feel much safer In Israel then I do in our “safe” Galus. I remember back to being seventeen years old and I went to the bank my first week in Yerushalyim. I was at the counter changing some money when three men walked in with machine guns. Instinctively, I put my hands in the air. I then watched in utter astonishment as these men went to the next spot on the counter with their guns, conducted their business and quietly left the bank. No alarms, no police, no terrified tellers.
A few years later I observed what is relatively commonplace to those of us who spend much time in Yerushalayim – a young five year old girl pushing her one year old sibling in the stroller and going into a supermarket – Alone! No one is calling Social Services for abandoned or endangered children. As a foreigner, you cannot help but watch the spectacle as the five year old girl proceeds to pick out milk, yogurt and of course some Shabbos treats, and confidently go to the checkout counter. There she pulls out a 200 Shekel bill (65 dollars) and patiently waits while the checkout clerk carefully counts out precise change (The five year old having no idea if they were given the correct amount). The young girl, with her little brother, than exit the store and return safely home, undisturbed and unafraid. In what other place does this happen? Where is this scene replicated? We all know the answer. Imagine, a young girl, without her little brother to watch, strolling by herself. Taking out money in public. Having an honest store clerk count out change and send her on her way. The best people would be the ones who did call Social Services or the police.
Just last year I was taken by the large amounts of street performers enjoying Channuka. Some of the ones performing at Machaneh Yehudah were actually quite good. Crowds of people would listen to a trio play familiar tunes and often some would deposit some coins into their open guitar case as appreciation for the performance. On this occasion, I watched an elderly man hobble over to the guitar case and place a 200 Shekel bill inside. The lead performer stopped and asked “Ma Zeh? What is this. The elderly man replied that it was a than k you for the performance. The lead performer said “Thank you”, but these types of donations are for Tzedakka, for the poor. They are not appropriate to leave as a thank you. With that she took the bill out of the acse and handed it back to the man.
Our time in the Midbar was well spent. Whether it was learning to be more spiritual in the presence of the Mishkan, isolating ourselves from some of the terrible influences of the outside world, experiencing Nissim on a daily basis or longing to be in Eretz Yisroel so we could properly appreciate it, the combination had an awesome affect. Mi Kiamcha Yisroel. Being around our people in our land has a robust, palpable and readily observable effect on human beings and particularly the Jewish people. No, I am not afraid. Not because I have my head in the clouds but rather because I can see very clearly with my own eyes.
