Much of the story at the end of this week’s parsha should actually seem like deja-vu, as this is not the first time such a process unfolds. Also in Parshat Beha’alotecha, it is first the rabble that complain; and only afterwards, all of Israel. Moreover just like here, the people’s bewilderment and confusion led them to cry. But Moshe responds differently there. He complains to God that he can no longer lead the Israelites by himself. In response, God relents and gives Moshe the new helpers he requested – problem solved and case closed. But was it?

Where were those new leaders when the scouts came with the bad report, leading the congregation to cry once again? The answer seems to be, nowhere; that they played no role whatsoever. Read more at the Jewish Press.