Rabbi Howard Morrison

The weekly Torah portion begins and ends with virtual bookends and mirror images. At the outset, twelve designated tribal leaders are sent as a delegation to investigate the land of Israel and bring back a report. They are sent to "tour (LATUR)" and share what they SAW. Ten of the leaders report back that they SAW giants. As a result of the propagandized report, the people want to return to EGYPT.

At the end of the Parsha, the Mitzvah of Tzitzit contains much of the same language. One should not be led astray (V'LO TATURU), which stems from the same root as "LATUR" in the context of the spies. In addition, when one dons Tzitzit, one is commanded to SEE the fringe and remember God's commandments. For this reason, many Jews choose to wear their Tzitzit externally. The Tzizit also remind us that God liberated our people from the land of EGYPT. 

Notice the common words and expressions in the beginning and end of this week's portion. It is as if the Mitzvah of Tzitzit serves as a corrective to the episode of the spies. The donning, reading, and appreciation of Tzitzit encourage us not to become spies or tourists with our tradition.

Rabbi Howard Morrison