Crying for Nothing

Parshat שלח is the saddest and most tragic Parsha in the whole Torah. The sin of the spies led to בכיה של דורות, a crying for many generations.

The Midrash says that Hashem said that you cried בכיה של חינם, a crying over nothing. Now, this date will be remembered for the numerous tragedies that will fall on it-most notably, the destruction of both Temples.

There is a huge lesson in these Midrashic words. Terrible consequences occur when one “cries for nothing.” This is an indication that such a person is self absorbed and full of self pity. He fails to see the positive in life, and is occupied with feeling sorry for himself.

It is difficult for such people to have a successful marriage or meaningful relationships for that matter. People generally distance themselves from negative, bitter people.

This explains why Hashem distanced Himself from that entire generation. Such ingrates were not worthy of entering our blessed Land.

It is almost equally tragic that so many Jews who should know better, choose the path of כפויי טובה, ingratitude, and are unable or unwilling to recognize the remarkable miracle and gift of the State of Israel.

If the Torah were truly studied, such obvious lessons would not be overlooked.