Shabbat Shalom, There is something undeniably peculiar about this week’s Torah portion, Sh’lach L’cha. Why would the Torah include a story in which God instructs Moses to send scouts to spy out the land of Canaan? Why not simply provide the Israelites with a divine report—complete with all the relevant details about what to expect? After all, this is the same God who brought plagues upon Egypt, split the Sea of Reeds, and sustained the people with manna from heaven. Surely God could simply tell the people what to expect upon entering the land of Canaan. “No need for reconnaissance. I’ll tell you exactly how this is going to play out. You can trust Me.” Instead, God instructs: “Send men to scout the land of Canaan…” (Numbers 13:2). The responsibility for gathering information about the Promised Land is delegated to the people. One representative from each of the twelve tribes is selected for the [...]

Shabbat Shalom, This week's Torah portion, Beha’alotcha, opens with a commandment regarding the lighting of the menorah—the seven-branched lampstand whose purpose was to bring light into the sacred space of the Tabernacle. God instructs Moses: “Speak to Aaron and say to him, ‘When you cause the light to go up…’” (Numbers 8:2). Not simply “light the lamps.” But “cause the light to go up”— בְּהַעֲלֹתְךָ אֶת־הַנֵּרֹת. As always, our tradition finds deep meaning in the nuance. Aaron was not merely to ignite a flame, but to do so with care and intention—so that the light would rise on its own, enduring and strong. It’s a lesson in how we bring heat and fire into the world: not recklessly, but with patience, with purpose, and in service of something higher. Right now, there is a lot of heat in our city. Anger. Frustration. Fear. We are witnessing protests and disruptions throughout Los Angeles. Trust in public institutions is fraying. [...]