The maftir of this week's parshah features the commandment to place tzitzis (fringes) on a four-cornered garment. Why does the mitzvah of tzitzis appear at this juncture in the Torah?

The Torah presents tzitzis as a reminder to observe the mitzvos. (15:40) However, it seems that the manner by which tzitzis function as a reminder is not merely like the function of a string that one ties around his finger or a rubber band that one places on his wrist in order to remind him to do a task that he fears he will forget. Rather, via the techeiles (turquoise) threads, tzitzis serve to imbue in us a cognizance of God's Presence; the techeiles color reminds one of the heavens, which brings to mind Hashem's glory. (Menachos 43b) When looking at techeiles, we are reminded that God is watching our actions and is in control of all that transpires. (See Ramban on 15:40.)

In Parshas Shelach, we read that only the new generation will make it through the Midbar (Desert) and reach Eretz Yisroel. Whereas the older generation was witness to Hashem's miracles in Mitzrayim and on the Sea, and it heard God's voice at Har Sinai and felt the trembling and observed the smoke-covered mount when Hashem revealed His Presence, the young generation would have none of these faith-endowing experiences. Rather, its faith would be instilled through hearing Moshe Rabbeinu teach the Torah and through studying the mitzvos.

This is where tzitzis comes in. As the Jews are about to embark on a new course of training in religious commitment, in which their attachment to Hashem and their adherence to His Word would be cultivated through teaching rather than through experience of miracles, tzitzis - which serve as a constant reminder of Hashem's Presence - is the central feature. It is the beginning of a new approach to emunah (faith), which takes the form of education rather than of experience. Tzitzis, which constantly teach and remind one of Hashem's omnipotence and transcendence, is the introduction to the promotion of emunah and commitment that is embarked upon in this week's parshah.

The lesson to be learned is that one must consistently, on an ongoing basis, pro-actively renew and fortify his personal faith-training. It is not enough to observe mitzvos and to live among others who are of a similar life-style. True adherence to Torah requires aggressive focus on strengthening our emunah and Torah outlook, always refocusing and thinking about our commitment to Hashem and His mitzvos. Anything less breeds religious stagnation and decline.

It took the generation after the Meraglim (Spies) 40 years to become trained in their commitment to Torah. We, who lack the inspiring, face-to-face teachings of Moshe, surely need to take the message home and actively focus on our relationship with Hashem and immerse ourselves in the Torah’s teachings so as to be fortified in its outlook and in our beliefs.