Weekly Torah portion
Parascha Sh'lach שלח
Numbers (Bamidbar) · Numbers 13:1-15:41
„Send"
Summary
Moses sends twelve spies to scout the Land of Israel. While they report that the land is bountiful, ten of the scouts spread a frightening report, claiming the inhabitants are too strong to defeat, which causes the nation to lose faith.
As a result of this lack of trust, G"d decrees that the generation will wander in the wilderness for forty years. Only the younger generation, along with the two faithful scouts, will eventually enter the Promised Land.
The portion concludes with various laws regarding offerings and the commandment of Tzitzit (ritual fringes). These fringes serve as a visual reminder for the Jewish people to observe all of G"d's commandments.
People
Moses
The leader who appoints the representatives from each tribe to scout the land.
Joshua
One of the two faithful scouts who encourages the people to have courage.
Caleb
A scout from the tribe of Judah who stands against the negative report and remains loyal.
The Ten Spies
The representatives who discourage the nation and are punished for their slander of the land.
Key commandments (mitzvot)
The Dough Offering (Challah) · Numbers 15:20
A portion of dough must be set aside and given to the Kohen (priest) when baking bread.
Tzitzit (Fringes) · Numbers 15:38
The commandment to attach ritual fringes to the corners of four-cornered garments.
Full text
Quiz & badge
Answer every question correctly to earn the badge.
1. How many spies did Moses send to scout the land?
2. Which two spies gave a positive report about the land?
3. What was the punishment for the nation's lack of faith?
4. What is the purpose of the Tzitzit (fringes) according to the text?