Parshat Be’ha’alotcha: Trust
by Rabbi Lobel

During its forty years in the Wilderness, Israel was led by the Clouds of Glory during the day and a pillar of fire at night. When the Clouds moved, so did Israel. When the Clouds rested, so did Israel.. “By the word of G-d, Israel traveled and, by the word of G-d, Israel encamped.” (Numbers 9:18)

The Sforno Rabbi Ovadia ben Yaakov; 1475 – 1550, Bologna, France) comments that the Torah is expressing Israel’s loyalty towards G-d. Even when G-d would have Israel encamp “in the wastes of a howling wilderness”(Deuteronomy 32:10; as translated by Artscroll), Israel still followed G-d.

What is perplexing is that, in the same verse the Sforno quotes, the Torah continues, “He (G-d) encircled Him (Israel)”. As Rashi explains, G-d was constantly protecting Israel through the Clouds of Glory, “like an eagle protecting its nest, hovering over its young.” (Deuteronomy 32 : 10-11) As the Yalkut Shemoni (228; Late compilation of Jewish Homiletic; Author unknown, Approx. 11th Century) teaches, the Jewish people had seven clouds of glory surrounding them - four on each side, one above, one below, and one leading the way. The clouds protected Israel from all elements, even smoothing the ground for easy walking. In addition to the Clouds, Israel was also provided Manna from heaven and water from Miriam’s well, which traveled with them.

Why would the Sforno argue Israel’s actions demonstrated loyalty rather than simple self-preservation? Had Israel not followed the Clouds of Glory, it would have been subjected to the “howling wilderness” without any of G-d’s protections.

The answer lies in our original verse. “By the word of G-d, Israel traveled [into a howling wilderness] and, by the word of G-d, Israel encamped [in a howling wilderness].” Again and again, the Children of Israel placed themselves at the complete mercy of Hashem by traveling to and settling in places where they could only be saved by the miraculous. That is an extraordinary show of loyalty and faith.

Today, we are often presented that same challenge. Our livelihoods, our relationships, and even our safety can be placed at risk by our steadfast adherence to the Torah – G-d. Yet, faith in Hashem requires both faith in the present and faith in the future. May G-d grant us the strength of our forefathers to uphold His Torah wherever that may lead us.