D'var Torah:: “These are the journeys of the Children of Israel who went out from the land of Egypt according to their legions, by the hand of Moshe and Aaron" (BaMidbar 33:1). When travellers reach a destination, they recount the events of their journeys. The Torah logs the 42 journeys of Klal Yisrael to inform us that Klal Yisrael weren't consigned to wander aimlessly in the wilderness, as a consequence of their sins. On the contrary, all of the 42 journeys produced a great spiritual elevation! In this light the verse says, "These are the journeys of the Children of Israel who went out from the land of Egypt," meaning, they ascended from the defilement of Egypt, and attached themselves to lofty spiritual levels. Moreover, the only way to be freed from the negative influence is by the holy leadership of Moshe and Aaron. As the verse concludes, "by the hand of Moshe and Aaron," meaning, Moshe and Aaron uplifted Klal Yisrael to a new level of holiness, that elevated and prepared them for life in Eretz Yisrael.
Moral: HaShem arranges the journeys of our lives and the influence of our good teachers, as pathways of healing, rectification, and elevation.
Application: Reject the notion that after a spiritual downfall, HaShem will send a series of troubles. Be confident and hopeful that HaShem's always takes us upon a positive path of light, elevation, and redemption. Reflect that HaShem is leading all of your journeys to the the path of goodness.
(Based on the commentary of Rav Moshe David Valli)
