The Torah recounts that as Bnai Yisroel entered their fortieth year in the Midbar, Miriam died and the miraculous well that had accompanied the nation all the years, in her merit, was no longer there for them. “V’lo hoyoh mayim la’eidah vayikahalu al Moshe v’al Aharon – There was no water for the group and the people gathered against Moshe and Aharon.” (Bamidbar 20:2)

Our sages teach us that throughout life man is presented with challenges which are actually an impetus for spiritual growth, to spur us on to greater faith and to deeper depth of character and soul. Nisyonos are also a powerful vehicle for Kiddush Hashem. We learn in Tehillim (60:60)

Hashem told Moshe, “Shelach lecha anashim – Send out men to explore the land of Eretz Yisroel” (Bamidbar 13:2)

The Yalkut Me’am Lo’ez points out that the inclusion of the word “lecha – for you” seems superfluous here. He explains that Hashem was actually notifying Moshe that this mission should be ordered by Moshe, according to Moshe’s own

“Vayehi benso’a ha’aron … when the Ark would travel” (Bamidbar 10:35-36). The two pesukim following these words, which precede the narration of the “misonenim -- complainers,” are separated at the beginning and end with an inverted “nun.” The Talmud tells us (Shabbos 115b) that “Hashem made a siman on top and on bottom to let us know that [the parsha] is not in its right place.” According to R’ Shimon ben Gamliel, this parsha will, in the future, be positioned in its proper place in the Torah.

The pasuk states (Bamidbar 1:18), “Vayisyaldu al mishpechosum l’vais avosam -- the Bnai Yisroel confirmed their genealogies,” and Rashi expounds, “heivi’u sifrei yichuseihem – they brought documentation attesting to their lineage.”

The medrash explains that when Bnai Yisroel accepted the Torah the nations of the world became jealous and objected

In Parshas Bechukosai (26:12), the pasuk states, “V’his’halachti b’sochechem v’hoyisi lochem l’Elokim …-- I will walk among you,” and Rashi says, “Hashem will walk with you in Gan Eden, like one of you.”

The Torah promises unlimited brachos if Bnai Yisroel do the will of Hashem -- toil in Torah

The Talmud in Yevamos (62b) states that the talmidim of R’ Akiva died in a plague during the period of Sefiras Haomer. The reason stated is “shelo nohagu kovod zeh lozeh – they did not treat each other with the proper respect.”

The Medrash Rabba 61 says

We learn in Nevi’im (Melachim II) that during the time that Chizkiyahu, the son of Achaz, reigned over Yehudah he merited two great miracles.

When Chizkiyahu began to take back the lands that had been seized under his father’s rule, Sancheriv the King of Ashur, initiated an attack against the kingdom of Yehudah. Upon hearing this news, Chizkiyahu tore kriyah and proceeded to the Bais HaMikdash

“Usefartem lochem mimacharas hashabbos … sheva shabbasos temimos tiheyenah – You shall count for yourselves – from the morrow of the rest day …. seven weeks, they shall be complete.” (Vayikra 23:15)

The medrash tells us that Bnai Yisroel