An Example for the
World
Shelah-Lekha,
this week’s parasha, begins with scouts sent to take an account of Canaan .
Some felt it was better to lie about the condition, saying it was dangerous,
which sent fear into the hearts of the Israelites. These men who said false
things were killed by a plague. Later, more commandments are given, ending with
the commandment of the tzitzis.
I would
like to share a story from the Talmud (Menachos 44a). A Torah scholar, who was
always mindful of wearing the fringes, decided to seek out a prostitute. He had
all but undressed until he was just in his tallit katan. Suddenly, he redressed
and prepared to leave. She asked why and he explained his faith. She asked him
his name, city, rabbi, and beit midrash. Later, she traveled to meet his rabbi
and convert to Judaism, inspired by this man’s conviction.
Readers, we
all have urges. We are only human, but we must remain who we are and remember
our commitment. We are to be an example to the rest of society. Like the
wayward scholar, a questionable situation may lead to answers for another.
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