On Spirits and Servants

When Moshe Rabbeinu sends the meraglim out he knows that there is a potential for disaster. Addressing his principal disciple, he prays "may the One above save you from the wicked counsel of the other meraglim" [See Bamidbar 13:16 and Rashi ad loc] Additionaly, Moshe Rabbeinu invokes greater protection for Yehoshua by changing his name from Hoshea to Yehoshua by adding a letter of the divine name (a yud).

There were two spies who did not fall prey to the plot to vilify Eretz Yisrael – Yehoshua and Calev. We know by what merit Yehoshua was saved - the varied methods set up by Moshe Rabbeinu. But we must ask – by what merit did Calev escape ? This question becomes especially poignant when we consider our own trials.

We don't all have the zechus of carrying a letter of Hashem's name with Moshe Rabbeinu's blessing.

The passuk describes Calev's actions with the following telling phrase.

 [במדבר יד:כד]

"ועבדי כלב עקב היתה רוח אחרת עמו וימלא אחרי והביאתיו אל הארץ אשר בא שמה וזרעו יורשנה"

"And my servant Calev, since he was possessed of a different spirit, and he filled himself with following my directions, and I will bring him to the land that he went to and his descendants shall inherit it"

[Bamidbar 14:24]

Following Hashem's directions seems to be a pretty straightforward solution – we are certain to avoid wickedness if we stay on the right path. But what will keep us there ? Two things.

One – being possessed of a different spirit. If we merely do the mitzvos because it's what we do – then what can I do prevent misdeeds when I am struck by a whim or notion to do so ? If, however, we have a strong guiding spirit – then even in the face of social adversity ( like peer pressure, societal/cultural pressure, etc. ) we will be able to do what is right.

So how do we get this guiding spirit ?

Like Calev, we fill ourselves with our mission of following Hashem's instructions. Not halfway, not even ninety percent is enough. We must be one hundred percent filled with our dedication. We usually know what is right – it's just a question of right for whom. What is right for me as a kid may not be right for me as a parent. And what is right for me as a person hanging out with this group may not be right for me hanging out with another group. The ultimate test, however, is what is right for me as an eved Hashem. That's what gave Calev the indomitable spirit that was the equivalent of Moshe Rabbeinu's blessing and even a letter from Hashem's name – the unshakeable self identity of an eved Hashem, a servant of  G-d.

So perceive yourself as an eved Hashem – and when that's what you have looking back out at you from the mirror – fill 'er up !

Hatzlacha !!