Parshas Shelach: Pro-Life Jewish Leaders Required

Our Torah portion this week, Parshas Shelach, Bamidbar (Numbers)13:1 - 15:41, illustrates clearly the grave consequences of disobeying God's directives and instructions. Whether this disobedience stems from arrogance or ignorance, bad things happen when we go our own way. We need to be in His will to receive His goodness. When we remove ourselves from His presence, we subject ourselves to all sorts of trouble. 

Experts Defy The Almighty

This spiritual law plays out dramatically when all but the tribe of Levi demand a reconnaissance mission be sent into the Holy Land before the leaders comply with God's order to just walk in and possess it. Moses picks 12 'princes' for the mission, one from each of the 12 tribes.

Upon their return, 10 of these highly regarded leaders recommend scrapping God's plans to enter the land of Israel. They base their decision on their view  that the newly formed army lacks sufficient military skill to overcome the enemy tribes that stand in their way. They dismiss completely God's promise ensuring victory. Only Joshua and Caleb dissent.

The ten princes, the best and the brightest of their respective tribes, dismiss awesome, life changing miracles of only a few weeks previous that prove God's presence, reliability and love for His people. Within this short amount of time, they slip back into their self limiting mindsets. They refuse to acknowledge God's care and protection that accompany His will for His people.

Plague and Exile

The ten leaders die in a plague. All the people, except the tribe of Levi, complain against Moses, lamenting their departure from Egypt. They threaten mutiny. Moses informs the people that they are not going back to Egypt, nor are they going to be put to death like their errant leaders.

Instead, God shows mercy by requiring a penance of 40 years exile wandering around in the desert until a new generation more amendable to His law has a chance to posses the Promised Land. Rather than face this bleak future, some choose to launch the earlier planned military offensive into the Holy land without God's support. They all perish in battle.

Jericho Falls

The Haftorah portion this week, Yehoshua (Joshua) 2:1-24, recounts another occasion when spies are sent out on a reconnaissance mission, this time to the Canaanite city of Jericho, a city known for extreme depravity, including child sacrifice. 

Joshua is tasked with destroying Jericho, the first offensive by the Israelites in the Holy Land meant to clear the region of degeneracy and wickedness. This time the mission succeeds and Jericho falls. God shows great restraint towards Jericho. The order to destroy the city comes after 400 years of chances to repent, which the city leaders decline

Failed Moral Jewish Leadership

In Parahas Shelach, 10 of 12 Jewish leaders represent a substantial agnostic majority in an age of visible miracles. Consider the time we live in now, with few obvious miracles to support our faith in the Almighty. Compounding the problem are Jewish social media and AI influencers steeped in abortion rights ideology who shape Jewish opinion around the globe.

A vast network of Jewish organizations filled with abortion rights officers and directors suggests that today a high percentage of Jewish leadership positions are filled with compromised 'princes,' men and women who leverage great power and wealth to expand abortion access support among Jews. Here are a few examples.

1. American Jewish Committee(AJC). Website: The AJC is the global advocacy organization for the Jewish people. We create trusted partnerships with leaders around the world to ensure Jews and Israel are safe and thriving. AJC's General Counsel Marc D. Stern on President Trump’s Nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to be Supreme Court Justice. 

2. Jewish Federations of North America. Website: Jewish Federations build flourishing Jewish communities that are healthy, safe, caring, welcoming and inclusive, educated and engaged, active in civil society, and connected to Israel and global Jewry. Jewish Federations Statement on Texas Federal Court Ruling on Mifepristone

3. B’nai B’rith International. Website: The Global Voice of the Jewish Community. Combating Anti-Semitism, BDS and Holocaust Denial; Fighting for Human Rights; Advocating for Israel; Supporting Seniors; Providing Humanitarian Aid and Disaster and Emergency Relief. B’nai B’rith Reaffirms Pro-Choice Position

4. American Jewish Congress. Website: Founded in 1918 by iconic leaders such as Rabbi Stephen S. Wise, Albert Einstein, Golda Meir, and Justice Louis Brandeis, the American Jewish Congress has long played a central role in confronting antisemitism and advancing democratic values. PRESS RELEASE: American Jewish Congress Is Outraged by the Supreme Court’s Ruling Overturning Roe v. Wade

5. Hadassah, The Women's Zionist Organization of America, Inc. Website: Learn how we've been defying the odds for more than a century, creating new leadership roles for women, sustaining a vibrant Jewish state and paving the way for a pioneering healthcare system that saves lives every day. Join us to make an impact today. Policy Statement Reproductive Choice

6. Hillel International. Website: For more than 100 years, Hillel has played an indispensable role in ensuring the continuity and strength of the Jewish people. Our professionals, student leaders, and volunteers have sparked generations of connections to Jewish life and commitment to Jewish values. And the first 100 years is only the beginning. Hillel International Statement on Supreme Court Decision on Abortion

7. Anti Defamation League(ADF). Website: ADL is the leading anti-hate organization in the world. Founded in 1913 to protect the Jewish people, ADL works to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and secure justice and fair treatment to all. In the face of rising antisemitism, we protect, advocate and educate and seek to create a world without hat Abortion Bans Undermine Equality for All

8. Even US Orthodox Jewish leaders fail to provide clear moral guidance, a lackluster position that allows baby killing ideas to grow and fester within religious communities. US Orthodox Jews prepare for balancing act ahead of reversal of abortion rights

In America and in Israel, even as Jews face increasing existential threats, many of our legal, political, religious and medical experts continue to oppose abortion bans or choose to remain silent for fear of donor disengagement or loss of employment. How long do we dare try the patience of the Almighty with child sacrifice endorsed by a majority of Jewish leaders and their adherents?

It's long past time for new Jewish leaders who respect the life of unborn human beings. We need Jewish leaders who endorse the science that proves life begins at conception.

We must have informed, educated Jewish leaders who recommend pre-term delivery rather than abortion to save a mother's life.

We have to support Jewish leaders who have the courage to speak up in public and from the pulpit for the right to life of unborn human beings based on the right to life from conception in Torah.

The events in Parshas Shelach prove the law of spiritual consequences that applies to all people. When we enact policy that doesn't have God's approval or favor, we suffer and we perish. Yet, God's mercy always applies in ways that He considers good and correct.

Let's pray that His mercy still prevails in places where religious and secular authorities continue to lead us in the wrong direction, causing much suffering and death and destruction. To secure our future, we need new leaders who respect the life of unborn children.

May there be abundant peace from Heaven, and good life upon us and upon all Israel. Amen.

Cecily Routman

Cecily Routman is the founder and president of the Jewish Pro-Life Foundation. She opposes abortion homicide in general and among Jews in particular and laments secular policy making in Israel that results in loss of Jewish life and delays the messianic redemption. Cecily envisions a Torah based holy Land of Israel and a world that respects the life of every human being from conception.

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