The Torah tells us even MOSES and AARON, the very leaders who led us out of Egypt, experienced that feeling.

It all stems from the story of the spies, doesn't it? We read in Bamidbar Rabbah 16, a section of the ancient Midrash Rabbah, a collection of rabbinic teachings on the Torah, about the aftermath of their disastrous report. Remember, these were the men sent to scout out the Promised Land, the land flowing with milk and honey. But instead of inspiration, they brought back fear.

"The stout-hearted were bewildered. They fell into a stupor" (Psalms 76:6). Bamidbar Rabbah interprets this verse as referring directly to MOSES and AARON. Imagine the scene. The spies return with tales of giants and impenetrable cities, sowing seeds of doubt and panic amongst the Israelites. MOSES and AARON, the pillars of leadership, are utterly bewildered. They don't know what to do. The people are reeling. Their faith is shaken.

But in this moment of despair, a hero emerges: CALEB. "CALEB silenced the people" (Numbers 13:30). According to the Midrash, CALEB stood upon a bench, calling for quiet, his voice cutting through the din of fear. "The Land is exceedingly good!" he declared (Numbers 14:7). One man, standing against the tide of negativity, clinging to the promise.

And God took notice. The text says, "The Holy One blessed be He said to MOSES: 'I am extremely grateful to him,' as it is stated: 'Except [zulati] CALEB son of Yefuneh' (Deuteronomy 1:36)." Now, zulati is a fascinating word. The Midrash asks, "What is zulati?" And then answers, "'This one is for Me [lazeh iti] greater that six hundred thousand of you. You did not find any recourse, but rather you reeled.’" Think about that. One person’s unwavering faith outweighed the doubt of an entire generation. Incredible, isn't it?

Why did things get so bad in the first place? The Midrash offers a sharp critique: "It is because these emissaries were fools." Ouch! But it's a powerful reminder of the impact of poor judgment. As Solomon wisely said in Proverbs 26:6, "One who sends things by the hand of a fool cuts off his feet and drinks rancor." Choosing the right messengers, the right people to carry a message of hope and possibility, is crucial.

So, what do we take away from this story? We see the vulnerability of even the greatest leaders, the power of a single voice of faith, and the importance of choosing our messengers wisely. CALEB's actions serve as a reminder that even when faced with overwhelming negativity, we have the ability to stand firm in our beliefs and inspire hope in others. Perhaps that is why CALEB, and later JOSHUA, were the only two of that original group allowed to enter the promised land. Their faith outweighed the fear. They remained steadfast.

It's a timeless lesson, isn't it? One that resonates just as powerfully today.