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By Rabbi Shloimie Lindenabum
עד הנהר הגדול נהר פרת (פרק א פסוק ז)
The Torah describes how Hashem sent the Jews to travel to the “great river, the Euphrates River.” Rashi explains that it is called a great river, even though it is not necessarily bigger than other rivers, because it is mentioned in conjunction with ארץ ישראל, the Land of Israel. R’ Chaim Shmulevitz notes that if a river can be considered great because of its mild connection to ארץ ישראל, how much more so, one who lives there, can become great and grow tremendously spiritually. This that we do not necessarily notice this impact of Israel on our level is because to receive the influence of the land, one must recognize its ability to influence. We find that the daughters of צלפחד asked for a portion of the land and Rashi says that because the women loved the land, they merited being saved from the גזירת מרגלים, the decree of the spies, and they were allowed to enter ארץ ישראל. Again, we see the concept that one who cherishes and values the worth of land, merits its special gifts and qualities. By truly appreciating the special opportunity of ארץ ישראל, we can use any connection with it to become great.
ותשבו ותבכו לפני ה’…ולא האזין אליכם…ותשבו בקדש ימים רבים (פרק א פסוק מה-מו)
After the Jews were punished that they would not enter ארץ ישראל, rather they would spend the next 40 years wandering the desert, they cried to Hashem in regret. The Torah says that Hashem did not hear their voices and did not listen to them. Immediately after, the Torah says that they remained in קדש for many days, and Rashi proves that they stayed there for 19 years. What is the connection between them staying in קדש and them crying futilely to Hashem? The Netziv explains that even though Hashem did not totally listen to their outcry, he granted them some reprieve by allowing them to remain in one location for 19 years- which was half of the 38 remaining years in the desert. This minimized the bother and discomfort of constantly moving and setting up camp. The Torah tells us about this, continues the Netziv, to convey a message to all generations that one should never give up hope from their prayers. Every prayer makes an impact, and even if it is not answered in the way we desire, it will accomplish something. No prayer goes unheeded.
