Parashat Shelach L’chah

Parashat Shelach L’chah                                       
Numbers 13:1-15:41; Joshua 2:1-24; Hebrews 3:7-4:1

Our parasha this Shabbat teaches us something about leadership. A leader must not only know how to communicate, but he must know how to do so with different groups of people in ways that are appropriate and effective for them. When it comes to leadership communication—one size does not fit all.

Yehoshua (Joshua), who together with Calev were the only spies to remain loyal to G-d and report the truth about the land of Israel, ultimately became the communicator par excellence. In fact, in Parshat Pinchas, when Hashem instructs Moshe to appoint him as his successor, Yehoshua’s primary qualification for the job is his ability to deal with people on their own level and in accordance with their unique personalities. Throughout his career, Yehoshua always seemed to know exactly what to say and how to say it.

After the spies delivered their terrible report about the land of Israel, Bnei Yisrael panicked. Despite Calev’s attempt to thwart the rebellion, they continued to cry and demand a return to Egypt. At this point the Torah relates (14:6) that Yehoshua and Calev made one last try to limit the damage caused by their co-spies.

Since the Torah mentions Yehoshua first, we can safely assume that he was the initiator of this last effort. Before they spoke, Yehoshua and Calev tore their clothes as a sign of mourning. The Or Hachaim Hakadosh explains that this was a tactically significant move. Had Yeshoshu and Calev not been part of the mission, tearing their clothes would not have meant that much. But since they themselves had seen the land of Israel and then tore their clothes as a sign of mourning, it impacted Bnei Yisrael in some small way – it made them stop and consider the significance of their actions. If two of the spies disagreed so vehemently with the others, maybe the other spies’ report should be reevaluated.

After they got Bnei Yisrael’s attention, Yehoshua and Calev proceeded with their argument. “If Hashem wants us, then He will bring us into this land and give us this land that is flowing with milk and honey” (14:8). The Or Hachaim Hakadosh explains that Yehoshua and Calev carefully worded their argument. They did not begin their argument with a definitive statement. Bnei Yisrael would never have let them continue. By beginning with the word “if,” they caught Bnei Yisrael’s attention and made them curious as to where they were going. That is why they were able to continue talking to them.

Unfortunately, at this point, nothing Yehoshua and Calev said was able to reverse the tragic course Bnei Yisrael had chosen. However, Yehoshua’s careful and well-planned approach reflected a strength that would be developed over the next 38 years and would serve him well when he assumed the position of leader. Not only was he able to relate to each person on his or her own level, he was able to choose the right words, tone and logical arguments to win the support of his diverse group of followers. During Yehoshua’s tenure of leadership all the shevatim, despite their differences, combined in a united effort to conquer and settle the land of Israel. They all understood that while they perhaps travelled somewhat different paths—each path led to the Mishkan and service of Hashem.

Leaders must develop the skill to communicate effectively with all their followers. While some messages can be delivered in a single manner with universal appeal, others must be tailored for specific audiences.

We see that Yeshua followed this principle. He had twelve disciples who were diverse in personality. Yet, he was able to mesh them into a unified whole who after their encounter with the Ru’ach Elohim, were able to spread the powerful message of Besorah Tova – the Good News – to a wide audience effectively.

Yeshua also knew how to communicate with the different streams of Jews that existed in the mix of people during the 2nd Temple period. Sometimes his approach was gentle; sometimes, seemingly harsh. But, He knew how to approach each strata of society and communicate His primary message to them: “Repent, for the Kingdom of G-d is at hand”! Undoubtedly, he was an excellent communicator! In just over three years, the message He deposited took root and spread like wild fire.

2 Cor 5:19-21
19        “……. that God was reconciling the world to himself in Messiah, not
              counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message
             of reconciliation.
20       We are therefore Messiah’s ambassadors, as though God were making his
             appeal through us. We implore you on His behalf: Be reconciled to God’.

The message that Messiah and the disciples communicated has never changed. Be reconciled to HaShem!