Transforming tragedy into a learning experience

The 40 years of wandering in the desert is one of the greatest tragedies that we suffered as a people in biblical times. The direct cause of this tragedy, as is told in Numbers 13-14, is the sin of our ancestors in accepting the negative report of the scouts and refusing to move forward rather than trusting in God and in His ability to lead them into the Promised Land. Thus, sadly, a journey that might have taken roughly 11 days took 40 years. It is against this background that the account of the 40-year sojourn in the desert that we read about this week in Parashat Eikev is particularly shocking.

“Remember the long way that the Lord your God has made you travel in the wilderness these past 40 years, that He might test you by hardships to learn what was in your hearts: whether you would keep His commandments or not…” (Deuteronomy 8:2). According to Moses in this verse, the 40-year sojourn in the desert was not the tragic consequence of their sin, but an experience aimed at educating them toward the future. In the desert, and bereft of natural resources, such as food, water and clothing, God provided for them while instilling in them a sense of dependence on Him for their survival. In return, God expected them to follow His rules and regulations. Moses reminded the people of the desert experience on the eve of their entry into the land in order to teach them that, just as they depended on God for their survival in the difficult conditions of the desert, they must continue to depend on, and be loyal to, God even after they enter the land and enjoy its bounty and goodness.

Thus, what was previously understood as a terrible tragedy, Moses now transforms into an opportunity for education and growth. Rather than focus on their pain and suffering of the past, Moses wants them to learn from it so that they can do what is necessary to ensure a better future.

The Hamas attack of October 7th was, without a doubt, the most devastating and painful event that we have experienced since the Holocaust, and we are, unfortunately, still reeling from the effects of that attack as soldiers continue to die in combat, as tens of thousands still live as refugees in their own country, and as the hostages languish in a tunnel somewhere in Gaza. Furthermore, there is no telling how long this will last, as negotiations for a ceasefire and the release of the hostages seem (at least at the time of this writing) to be heading nowhere. Thus, as we mourn the losses, and as we fear what is yet to come, many of us find ourselves in a state of depression and despair.

Yet, following the example of Moses, I believe it is necessary not only to mourn the tragedy and the loss, but to turn them into an opportunity for learning and growth so that the Israel of tomorrow will be better than the Israel of today. In this context, I would like to offer 10 important lessons that I think we would be wise to learn and internalize. Readers are more than welcome to share additional lessons or to take issue with my own:

1. Gradual Change: Any changes in Israel’s judicial system or any other state pillars must be gradual and supported by a broad consensus. Hastily imposed changes can create division and resentment, and weaken our ability to defend ourselves against external threats.
2. Troops over Technology: We must never entrust the defense of this country to modern technology at the expense of actual boots on the ground.
3. Take Threats Seriously: When our enemies declare their intention to destroy us we must always take them at their word and never impose our own conceptions or misconceptions (known as “conceptzia”) in interpreting their intentions.
4. Diverse Military Leadership: Our military leadership must include a range of viewpoints and encourage open debate before making critical decisions.
5. Valuing Intelligence Reports: The observations of those whose duty is the surveillance of the enemy and the passing on of critical information (i.e. the tatzpitaniyot) must be taken seriously by IDF officers, and adjustments must be made in accordance with these observations.
6. The Priorities and Accountability of Our Leaders: We must elect leaders who prioritize the nation’s needs over personal or political interests. And when they fail, they must take responsibility and step down.
7. Realistic Military Goals: Israel’s leaders should not declare military goals that are unattainable according to all military experts.
8. Protecting Civilians: The lives of innocent civilians on all sides must be safeguarded to the extent possible, not just because of international law but because it’s the right thing to do as a moral people.
9. Unity in Peace and War: Just as we’ve come together as a people during this time of war, we must continue to come together in times of peace.
10. Drawing Inspiration from Our Soldiers: We should draw inspiration from our magnificent soldiers who are from different backgrounds and all walks of life and yet have fought together heroically to defend this country for more than 10 months.

If we can unite, learn, and grow from this tragedy, we will not only overcome the challenges we face in the present but also ensure a brighter future.