| "These are the journeys of the Children of Israel" (Bamidbar 33:1)
Parashat Masei begins with an enumeration of the Klal Yisrael's encampments in their forty-year sojourn in the desert.
The Rambam asserts that the greatest miracle in the Torah is the survival of the Am Yisrael in the wilderness for forty years. This scorching and desolate environment is unsuitable for human existence. During the forty years, HaShem provided Manna from Heaven and water from Miriam's well. Klal Yisrael experienced all of these wonders.
HaShem knew that future generations would be skeptical of these miracles. They would offer various theories to "rationalize" what took place. For instance, they might claim that although Klal Yisrael traveled in the desert, they stayed close to civilization to have access to provisions.
To remove these doubts, the Torah records the exact path of their journeys. Examination of the point-by-point trek shows they were a considerable distance from cultivated land. In this way, future generations would not doubt HaShem's remarkable miracles, which enabled human beings to live in an uninhabitable region for forty years. We understand from this profound insight that HaShem does not require that our faith contradict common sense. Instead, HaShem wants our trust in Him to be in sound agreement with the tenets of the human intellect. Therefore, the Torah alleviates any skepticism by presenting us with incontestable proof of HaShem's miracles. As a result, we attain pure, rational faith.
The absolute truth of the Torah illuminates the sturdy foundations of faith in the Creator. (Based on Moresh Nevuchim of the Rambam)
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