This week, we begin the fourth (and probably least well-known) book of the Torah. The Book of Numbers, known in Hebrew as B’midbar, describes the continuing journey of the Israelites through the wilderness. While often overlooked, this fourth book of the Torah can serve as a model for how any might approach challenges and surprises, and maybe even how a difficult moment, day, or journey becomes the turning point toward growth. B’midbar contains lessons and transformative experiences that shaped the Israelites and can inspire us on our own journeys.
Even a cursory knowledge of the Torah tells us that the Israelites didn’t have the easiest time in the wilderness – created both from external influences and interactions along the way or from their own less-than-optimistic perspective. From the grumblings of the people to the rebellions against Moses’ leadership, these trials become nisim, tests that require personal and communal growth to pass. Each obstacle becomes an opportunity for the Israelites to deepen their relationship with God and learn valuable lessons.
But, you might know this Hebrew word, nisim (or nes in the singular) in another way. Maybe from the dreidel at Hanukkah, or from the recitation of ordinary blessings in a morning service, you’ve learned that nisim are “miracles,” not “tests.” And, nisim has a third meaning, “banner,” as in a color guard or army pennant. How do all of these three meanings come from the same word?
Throughout the Torah, especially in the Book of B’midbar, nisim/tests become the catalysts for spiritual growth. With every trial and tribulation, the Israelites are forced to confront weaknesses, cultivate patience, and rely on the strength of community in times of uncertainty. Just as with every passing test, the Israelites learned to trust in themselves, in each other, and in God, through reading this book we are reminded that we too can rediscover our own miraculous strength in the face of adversity.
In this way, the three seemingly different definitions of nisim can become one – all depending on perspective. We can encounter tests in our lives, and see them as challenges that grind us down and exhaust us, and we run the risk of failing. We can encounter miracles in our lives, seeing them as inspirations to become our best selves, a divine gift that can change the course of our lives for the better. Or we can hold up banners, seeing them as a symbol of our perseverance in the face of adversity, a reminder of all we’ve overcome, and a rally point to face what comes next.
Earlier this month, I participated in a conference for chaplains addressing mental, emotional, and spiritual health in teens and young adults. The keynote speaker discussed moments of crisis, and I was intrigued to hear that despite all of his experience in counseling, research, and fieldwork, he said that we still don’t really know what encourages a crisis to become growth. I think that looking for growth, and only growth, limits our potential to find it. Sometimes growth comes through tests, sometimes it comes through miracles, sometimes it’s symbolic.
Like the Israelite’s journey – the path to growth is rarely a straight line, nor is it concisely definable. Rather, growth zigs and zags through challenges. It’s both helped and hindered by experience. It is simultaneously confusing and inspiring. In my opinion, the only sure way a challenge doesn’t end in growth is when the challenge stops a journey. For each of us, perseverance is key to the ongoing journey. When faced with setbacks, disappointments, or failures, we are given the opportunity to become stronger and more resilient. Perseverance molds our character, bonds us to one another, and changes our perspectives on the nisim in our lives.