FAITH and OPTIMISM

     Parshas Masey details the travelogue of the Jewish People as they traveled through the dessert on their way to the Promised Land.

  One wonders, 'Why was it necessary to mention every place they visited in such detailed form?'

  Rashi is quick to point out that it was Hashem's intention to remind the people להודיע חסדיו הי , to remind them of the great expression of mercy and kindness of Hashem who provided them with the necessities to survive the dessert experience. 

  Rabbi Tanchuma says, 'The reason for mentioning all the places they visited was analogous to a father traveling with his son, who became ill. The father took his son to a specialist who cured him. On the way home, he recalled to his son the different places they had passed and what happened in each place.'

   In a like manner, Hashem was pointing out to the people what took place at the the different locations they visited and how He lovingly took care of them.

   The Rambam touches on a very insightful answer refuting any suggestion that the people were really lost and that is the reason they made so many stops at different locations. He insisted that the people's GPS, was all planned by G-D, על פי הי, showing emphatically that nothing was accidental or pure chance. Every move made by עם ישראל, was all made by the design and direct intentions of Hashem Himself.  

   There is no doubt that all reasons are very logical, but I am inclined to think in the direction that the Rambam suggests, for it emphasizes that what ever takes place in our world is all by design of Hashem, and that very often we are misled in thinking things just happen and that is not true. Indeed, we have free will to do as we wish, but we need to remember that behind every decision and action of man, be it on a personal level or by leaders of different countries, the hand of Hashem is steering our boat of destiny. 

     As we reflect on Israel's journey, we also begin to reflect on our journey through life and we set our GPS, our 

G-D Positioning Satellite , that will lead us to  a glorious future of peace and tranquility. 

   This idea has great meaning as we approach the most mournful period on the Jewish calendar , the nine days of mourning  and  search for the Hand of Hashem to lift us out of our abyss of darkness and lead us to our glorious 

גאולה שלמה.