And they spread among the Israelites a bad report about the land they had explored. They said, “The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size.” — Numbers 13:32
Each week in synagogue, Jews read through the Torah from Genesis to Deuteronomy. The Torah portion for this week is Shelach, which means “Send,” from Numbers 13:1–15:41.
More than two decades ago, my husband and I decided to leave America, the country in which we were born and raised, and start our lives in the Holy Land. Whenever a Jewish person moves to Israel, we refer to it in Hebrew as making aliyah. Aliyah means “ascent,” and moving to Israel in accordance with God’s will for the Jewish people is considered a great spiritual ascension.
Listen to Jewish Voices, American Stories, a new series featuring our nation’s remarkable Jewish figures—and the roots, journeys, and traditions that have shaped our history.
Since 1983, various stories of destitute Jewish people, whose names and photos may have been changed for privacy and security have been used to bless Israel and her people. Through these retellings, generous friends like you have helped feed, clothe, and shelter as well as provide medical care and heating for tens of thousands of those who struggle greatly.
