"Shelach Lecha" – The Weekly Torah Portion
- Jun 7
- 2 min read
Hello Everyone,
This week’s Torah portion, Shelach Lecha (Numbers 13–15), tells the story of the twelve spies sent by Moses to explore the Land of Canaan.
What fascinates me most is that all twelve spies saw the same land. They saw the same people, the same cities, and the same challenges. Yet they returned with two completely different reports.
Ten spies focused on fear. They saw obstacles, dangers, and reasons to give up.
Joshua and Caleb saw hope. They saw opportunity, purpose, and a future worth pursuing.
The difference was not in what they saw—it was in how they interpreted what they
saw.
As an artist who paints biblical themes, I am continually struck by the fact that while civilizations, technology, and cultures have changed dramatically over thousands of years, the spectrum of human emotions has remained remarkably the same since the dawn of humanity.
Fear and courage. Doubt and faith. Despair and hope. Loyalty and betrayal. Love and longing.
These emotions shaped the decisions of the biblical figures, just as they shape our decisions today.
That is why the Bible continues to speak to us across generations. It is not merely a record of ancient events; it is a profound exploration of the human soul.
The story of the spies reminds us that our view of reality is often influenced by the lens through which we choose to look. Fear can magnify obstacles, while faith can reveal possibilities.
Perhaps this is why the words of Joshua and Caleb continue to resonate:
“The land is exceedingly good.” (Numbers 14:7)
Their message is timeless: challenges are real, but so are hope, courage, and vision.
Shalom
Iris Wexler
Biblical Artist & Lecturer
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