In this week's parsha the Torah recounts all of the places which the Jewish People travelled to while they sojourned 40 years in the desert. The Torah tells us that each of these travels were according to the word of G-d. The Jewish People would encamp at one spot without knowing how long they would be there for. They could suddenly be commanded to move on from the place that they had been encamped for many months. In many situations they would travel from a desirable place to a less desirable place but they understood that each movement was for a purpose and was by G-d's command. People generally don't like changes especially if they didn't initiate the change and if the change is for a seemingly less favorable situation but we must remember that we are being guided by G-d.

R' Biderman relayed a story about a Jewish family that had been on vacation for three weeks. They returned home to their condo in Miami late at night and when they opened the door they realized they had no power. There were no lights and no air conditioner. We could all imagine coming home from a three week vacation even if it was a (luxurious one) all we want to do is unpack, take a shower and go to sleep in our own bed! Imagine the aggravation and anger in such a situation. The family didn't have much choice but to leave and check into the nearest hotel a few blocks away to spend the night. They arrived at the hotel and realized there was no place to park so the man returned to his condo parking lot to park his car and walk back to the hotel. He parked his car and got out, as he started walking he heard a big boom and turned to see his condo in the Surfside building collapsing.

Shabbat Shalom,

Heath