| Liuley Nishmas Yochanon Mordecai ben Ephraim
“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 travelers reach their destination, they often recount the steps and events that brought them there. Similarly, the Torah records the 42 journeys of Klal Yisrael not as aimless wanderings brought on by sin, but as deliberate stages of spiritual growth. Each journey elevated the nation, drawing them further away from the defilement of Egypt and closer to lofty spiritual heights.
In this light, the verse says, “These are the journeys of the Children of Israel who went out from the land of Egypt”—highlighting that these journeys were not just physical departures, but spiritual ascents from the impurity of Egypt. Crucially, this transformation was made possible “by the hand of Moshe and Aaron,” whose holy leadership guided Klal Yisrael and uplifted them, preparing them for life in Eretz Yisrael.
HaShem orchestrates the journeys of our lives, placing righteous guides and teachers along the way to help us heal, grow, and be elevated.
Do not accept the mistaken belief that spiritual failings bring only punishment or hardship. Instead, trust that even after a fall, HaShem leads us on a path of light, healing, and redemption. Have faith that HaShem guides every step of your journey toward goodness and spiritual ascent. (Based on the commentary of Rav Moshe David Valli)
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