In this week’s Parshat Sh’lach L’cha, Moses is told to select a leader from each tribe and to charge them to move forward to scout out the land of Canaan ahead of the arrival of the multitude of Israelites. As the tale unfolds we learn that the scouts unanimously report that they found a land rich with produce and resources. Then the perceptions split.
Ten of the scouts begin to share that despite the rich resources the land ahead is a scary one; the men are large and fearsome and their cities well-fortified.
The other two scouts – Caleb and Joshua – try to share a different perspective, reminding the community that the Israelites have been gifted with this land by G-d and that with faith and strength they will be able to handle what lies ahead just as they have handled all that has confronted them in their journey to this point.
Caleb and Joshua find themselves interrupted by their fellow scouts, whose loud voices and dramatic words rile up and panic the community. In their panic all the want to do is go back to what they know – the “safety” of slavery in Egypt. In fact, they are so panicked that as Joshua and Caleb continue to try to calm the crowd the two are pelted with stones.
This incident dooms the adults of the community to death in the wildernesses G-d realizes they will never be able to listen to all and to make responsible decisions as free individuals.
Certainly we have been witness to times throughout history where this same type of crowd mentality and fear of what lies ahead led to rushed decisions. We have seen loud voices prevail over rational ones. We have probably at times all been caught up in the rhetoric of a loud, well-spoken story that paints the plan being proposed as the only possible way to move. In the rush we may have well missed the “Calebs and Joshuas” who in a quieter, rational way, offer a different perspective and path ahead.
Some loud and overpowering voices have led our communities and world to great new places. Others have led us to great tragedy. Many have just stalled forward movement and growth. The outcome is truly as much the responsibility of the listeners as the speaker.
Part of the gift of freedom is the responsibility each of us has to give space and our full attention to every speaker, ensuring s/he can speak uninterrupted. We must hear all perspectives and not let the loudest voices rule. Unlike our ancestors, before acting each one of us must take time to pause, think, and carefully develop our own opinion. We cannot be afraid to side with the minority and must take responsibility to speak up when we feel power of voice is overpowering a thoughtful decision making process.
It is not easy and yet when each one of us takes the responsibility for ensuring a community moves forward in thoughtful ways, the world is all the better for it.
Prior to her position with the Grinspoon Foundation, Iris served as a synagogue educator in Syracuse NY, the Central New York PJ Library Program Coordinator and as a national consultant for PJ Library.
Iris holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood, Elementary, and Special Education, a master’s degree in Special Education and Reading, and Advanced Certification in School Leadership and Administration. Her experience as a secular educator and educational leader in congregational and community settings spans over 20 years. She is also a lay leader in Jewish organizations on the local and national levels. Iris served as the President of CAJE – the Coalition for the Advancement of Jewish Education, which was the largest member organization for Jewish educators in the country.
- May My (and Your) Yom Kippur Be Filled Meaning - October 3, 2014
- We All Are Standing Here.. Now What Will You Do? - September 19, 2014
- ‘Tis the Season of Transitions - September 12, 2014