What is a Navi, and what process was necessary to qualify as one? Joshua followed Moshe - the greatest prophet that ever lived. How was his leadership proof that with intense work on the self, one can reach far beyond original expectations?
Each leader is tailor made to fit the generation he must shepherd. While that may indeed be true, imagine Joshua's feelings of incompetence as he contemplated filling the shoes of his master, Moshe. Hashem's promise to Joshua helped give him the confidence to lead and succeed as he stepped forward to take the Jewish nation into Israel.
Rachav is a complex figure in our history. A prostitute for decades, she still managed to nurture her relationship to spirituality and G-dliness despite her actions. What helped her finally make the move to shift her outer actions to match her deeply spiritual inner world?
Success in Eretz Yisrael depends on one major factor - how well we keep the Torah. That idea was shown by the miraculous crossing of the Jordan river, which split in face of the Aron. How do we relate to the Torah now? Mrs. Juravel details the need for distance within our relationship to these holy words, and how that humility keeps us close, but adds the necessary respect.
Why was it so necessary to create a monument in order to remember the miracle of the splitting of the Jordan river? Wouldn't that be a natural story we'd pass on to our children? Mrs. Juravel discusses remembering the truth and lesson of a miracle as opposed to the superficial symbol of the supernatural event, and encourages us to focus on the many miracles in our lives.
One of the first things the Jews did as a nation coming into Israel was circumcise themselves. Their willingness to do the exact opposite of what is expected of those getting ready for major warfare showed their extreme faith in Hashem, and the ability to move beyond the realm of nature.
Waiting to attack Yericho, the Jewish nation made two major mistakes. Why was their lack of Torah learning so frowned upon, and what change did it symbolize that was going on inside of them? A beautiful class on building the emunah that is so important for living a life close to Hashem.
The army of Israel encircled the famous fortified city of Yericho - which ended with the dramatic crumbling of its walls, which showed God how well the Jewish nation’s faith endured. Our ability to tap into happiness at that jubilant time showed that we left all the trappings of Egypt behind, and were now in complete step for serving Hashem.
The shock and dismay felt by the Jews upon losing their first battle in Eretz Yisrael was understandable. Harder to comprehend is the steep price the entire was forced to pay for the reprehensible actions of a lone man among them. Mrs. Juravel explores the deep sense of responsibility we have for each other, and when this accountability began.
When we fail in life, often the simplest way to deal with it is to blame others – especially G-d. Yehoshua’s response to losing a war was to focus inward, on what he and the Jewish nation had done wrong to deserve it. His ability to rise up from the depression that threatened his people, and tear down the barriers that had risen between them and Hashem teaches us some important lessons about how to deal with disappointment.