Yisrael Is Youthful \ Parashat Devarim
"And I will take from you twelve men" (Devarim 1:23).
The twelve spies Moshe Rabenu appointed to spy out the Land of Israel were from amongst the generation's highest level of spiritually elevated people. Despite their greatness and the open miracles that they witnessed, most spies failed in their mission. What happened to cause such a disaster?
The spies rested on their laurels and stopped growing; they had become static!
Whereas, Yehoshuah and Calev, the two spies who succeeded, fulfilled the verse, "For Yisrael is youthful, and I love him" (Hosheah 11). In the generation of Hosheah, HaShem praised Klal Yisrael because they had great enthusiasm as if they had just started to learn Torah. So too, Yehoshuah and Calev were charged with excitement and energy! It was as if they were just now beginning to know HaShem and His love for Klal Yisrael.
The most significant impediment to spiritual well-being is apathy and nonchalance. Conversely, enthusiasm, and eagerness are the life force of spiritual vibrancy.
Envision Yehoshuah bin Nun learning Torah with great excitement when he was young. See how his enthusiasm stays alive, fresh, and vibrant when he becomes an adult and even in his elderly years. Imagine how his fiery vigor gave him the strength to pass the test of the spies. Awaken your heart and soul with joy, vitality, and passion for HaShem and His Torah.
(Based on the commentary of Da'as Torah and Rav Yisrael Salanter)
