Fear. It keeps us safe, keeps us from doing things that can cause pain or even death. But there’s a negative side to fear; it keeps us from trying new things, from entering into the unknown. Before trying something new we often think, “What if I fail? What if I make a fool of myself?”

Perhaps that was the fear that held back the majority of the scouts who were sent into the Promised Land by Moses in this week’s Torah portion. Ten of the 12 scouts returned with a negative report of the land. Although they admitted that it was beautiful and verdant, they insisted that the Children of Israel would never be able to prevail against the inhabitants.

After all, entering into the Promised Land wouldn’t be an easy undertaking. They would have to go to war, something for which they were completely unprepared. It was only two years since they had left slavery in Egypt. They had no experience as warriors, and had only begun to learn how to work in concert with one another.

Or perhaps they were afraid of something completely different. Perhaps they were afraid of being successful. Life in the desert wasn’t so terrible. They had food to eat, tents to live in, families around them, leaders who took care of their problems. When they were unhappy they complained and someone else took control.

If they were to win a war and enter into the land of Canaan, they would have to begin life over again, this time as farmers. They would have to carry out all the laws that Moses had told them about in the desert; taking care of the widow and orphan, building homes and communities and working hard on the land. So much responsibility! So many laws and rules! So much work!

Sometimes, it’s easier to sit back and take things as they are. Even if you believe in the need for change, there are barriers to taking on the mantle of leadership and working for positive change. The demands are high, and by stepping forward you can become a target for those who disagree with you. Especially in this time of rampant social media, simply taking a stand can endanger a person.

Fear. It can hold us back from the things we most desire for ourselves and our communities. There’s an Israeli song, al tira, “do not fear,” that’s been playing over and over in my head this week. I keep thinking, “do not fear to be brave, do not fear what others will say, do not fear.”

As I remind myself, I am remembering to remind you too – to be brave in the face of the unknown, to be brave when fear holds you back, to be brave because you know that what is right must be spoken, must be supported. Be brave.