How to Make Transitions with Confidence

2-¼ minutes to read

Parsha [Passage of Scripture] Nugget [Precious Idea] Beha’aloscha – Numbers 8:1-12:16

Military life requires making lots of transitions. You move every two or three years. Along with a new job, house, and school for your kids you may end up in a foreign country. With all that experience reintegrating into civilian life should be easy. Why then do so many veterans struggle? This week’s parsha, Beha’aloscha, gives a clue:

…and the Ark of the Covenant of G-d travelled before them a three-day distance to search out a resting place. (Numbers/Bamidbar 10:33)

This Sabbath’s parsha covers lighting the Menorah and the consecration of the Levites. Then it tells about bringing the Korban Pesach (Passover Offering) and Pesach Sheini (second Passover). The Israelites start their journeys. G-d leads them by a pillar of cloud during the day and a pillar of fire at night. Some of the people complain about eating the Manna. G-d responds. At the end of the parsha Miriam is afflicted with tzaraas.

The Symbolism of the Ark

The Ark contained the Tablets of the Ten Commandments, both the complete second set and the fragments of the first set that Moses broke. The Tablets encompassed all the wisdom and guidance the Israelites needed in their new home. Had they followed it to the letter their transition to life in the Land of Israel would have been smooth.

At first it was. The Israelites conquered Jericho. But the men of Ai defeated them in the next battle. Achan son of Carmi had taken consecrated property in violation of the Almighty’s command. Joshua brought Achan to his senses. He admitted his crime and was punished. At first the Israelites were afraid to try and take Ai again. G-d reassured them and led them to victory.

Requirements for Successful Transitions

Achan’s crime impeded success. By succumbing to temptation and stealing he showed he wasn’t ready for life in the Land of Israel. He failed to stay true to his values. As a result, the Israelites lost the first battle for Ai. The entire nation seemed headed for permanent defeat. So they took responsibility for their misdeed and punished Achan.

But the Israelites were still afraid. So the Almighty reminded them that one failure doesn’t define their character. Having dealt with Achan, they could reclaim their confidence in themselves and G-d. By doing so they proved they were ready to continue their transition. They won the next battle.

To make a successful transition, self-confidence is paramount. To be confident you have to

Be crystal clear about your values. During transitions it’s easy to become morally confused amidst the chaos. Take the time to calibrate your moral compass. Get total clarity about how you will act no matter how stressful life becomes.

Internalize that failure is only the information you need to make a better effort next time.

The Ark led the way into the Land because it symbolizes both of these essentials. Inside it were the second, intact Tablets setting down enduring life values. That the broken first tablets were in the Ark too showed the Israelites could overcome catastrophe.

Transitions are the most stressful periods in your life. Even with advance planning things will go wrong. When you have clarity about your values you will know how to overcome such challenges. Find a Joshua in your life to hold you accountable and keep you moving forward. Armed with a positive attitude toward failure, you’ll be unstoppable.

What has prevented you from making successful transitions in the past? Please comment below.

Every year beginning on Simchas Torah, the cycle of reading the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, ends and begins again. Each Sabbath a portion known as a sedra or parsha is read. It is named after the first significant word or two with which this weekly reading begins.

What verse in the Old Testament would you like to know more about? Ask a question and I’ll answer it in a future Parsha Nugget!