Sh’lah L’cha (Numbers 13:1–15:41)
Hertz: p. 623; Etz Hayim: p. 840; Stone: p. 798
Summary
1. The twelve spies and their reports. Only Joshua and Caleb report positively.
2. The Israelites panic and rebel.
3. Joshua and Caleb urge the people to trust in G-d and be optimistic.
14:26
4. G-d’s wrath and Moses’ intercession. Punishment of the Israelites: to wander for 40 years; all adults will die in the desert except Joshua and Caleb.
5. Rules pertaining to sacrificial offerings upon entering the Promised land.
6. Inadvertent wrongs. The challah.
7. Stoning of a man who gathered wood on Shabbat.Hertz: p. 628; Etz Hayim: p. 847; Stone: p. 808
Maftir: 15:37–41
8. Tzitzit and T’cheylet, to be worn as a reminder of the 613 commandments.
Hertz: p. 633; Etz Hayim: p. 854; Stone: p. 816
Haftarah (Joshua 2:1–24)
Summary and connection to the parashah
Joshua sends two men to spy out Jericho and the morale of the Canaanites They are sheltered by the prostitute Rahab, who assures them the Israelites will be able to conquer. She asks for and is promised safety for herself and her family. Spies are the connection to the Torah portion.
Hertz: p. 635; Etz Hayim: p. 857; Stone: p. 1184
