This week we read Parshas Behalosicha (in Israel). The Parsha tells us that during the time that the Jewish People were in the desert they were accompanied by a cloud(s) of Glory which would indicate when it was time to travel and when it was time to camp. There was no set interval for each encampment and in some cases the nation would camp for a matter of days and in other cases for over a year. They were completely adherent to the instructions that were revealed to them through the movement of the cloud that would lead them.

The Torah stresses that whether the Nation traveled or they encamped it was always at the behest of G-d's Command "according to the mouth of G-d they traveled and according to the mouth of G-d they encamped". It is understandable that they traveled according to G-d's word but why does the Torah need to tell us that they camped according to His word as well? Isn't it sufficient to tell us they traveled according to His word? Furthermore, the Torah gives a lengthy description of this entire process which seems on face value a bit redundant.

On a personal level we too are on our own journey through life, we have many "movements" and many "encampments". Many people have a strong belief in G-d and realize that all of their progress and movement is through the "mouth of G-d". They understand that all of their accomplishments are due to the Divine Assistance which is with them. It is a bit harder though to realize that our "encampments" as well are part of G-d's plan and these too are from the "mouth of G-d". There are times when we feel held back, we may exert effort and things are just not moving, it seems like everything is just at a standstill. But at these times we also need to realize that G-d is with us, He doesn't want us or the situation to move forward right now, we have a purpose in being "stuck" and there is a great deal we can accomplish without "moving" forward.    

Shabbat Shalom,

Stay safe and stay healthy!

Heath