בס”ד
The Torah describes the Israelites’ journeys in the desert (Numbers 33:1). A famous teaching by the Hasidic master, Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov, explains that these 42 journeys actually represent the different spiritual steps every person takes in life, from birth to reaching a higher spiritual state. Each stop is a level of serving G-d that we need to reach.
The Torah tells us something very important about how we should live: we should always be moving forward, always climbing higher. Staying in the same place, means small improvements. A true journey means completely leaving your old place and reaching a much, much higher level. The Torah hints at this in our portion, we should always be moving, ascending from one level to the next. The stops symbolize the low points and the long time spent in exile. But even these stops are called journeys because, deep down, they are part of the process leading to an ascent.
The 42 journeys that the Israelites passed through in the desert represent the distinct spiritual advancements each person experiences from birth, culminating in an elevated spiritual state. Each particular stopping point signifies a unique level of divine service to aim for.
The whole point of these low periods, like exile, is for a great redemption to follow. A descent always leads to an ascent. In fact, it’s precisely from these low points that an even greater rise comes – a level much higher than before the descent, just like light shining brightest after darkness.
We must always remember that our personal journey is leading us to a greater spiritual height. All Noahide nations and individuals have their own spiritual journey through the observance of the Seven Noahide Laws. It represents a path of spiritual refinement and elevation for all humanity. The process of acceptance of these universal commandments is a journey towards knowing G-d more deeply.
Source: Likutei Sichot, Volume 23, Page 224. Numbers 33:1.
By Rabbi Moshe Bernstein
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