Weekly Shabbat Parsha Thoughts – Beshalach – 1.29.2010

This week’s parsha contains some of the greatest miracles in the Torah. The pinnacle of this is the parting of the red sea. But interestingly enough after each of these miracles the torah tells us that the Jewish people quickly begin to complain and become difficult. What is our Torah trying to tell us by showing our people quickly becoming difficult even in the face of HaShem’s most amazing show of power and omnipotence? I have always heard a simple but impactful lesson from this message:

If you are looking for HaShem do not go looking for miracles for proof of the impossible but instead look to the everyday miracles of the possible.

This week’s portion is our chance as a people to learn where we need to turn to find HaShem. It is not in the amazing miracles we read of in the bible. These show us the unlimited power of our deity and our protector. But it also tells us that cannot look to these miracles for our relationship with HaShem. We see this week it does not work. This week the torah instructs us to look not for that which is amazing that is beyond our control and comprehension but instead we should look at our everyday lives. To be able to live the lives we do as sentient beings with free will is a miracle. To be able to help others is a miracle. To be able to make the choice to act and be Jewish is a miracle. To be able to spend time with our family is a miracle. To be able to take control of our lives and make a difference to those we love and care about is a miracle. And when we embrace these miracles as our proof of HaShem it becomes impossible to forget and wake up one morning and complain like the Israelites did this week. That which is rare and impossible is easy to dismiss and misunderstand. That which we live every day is easy ammunition for inspiration. So on this portion let us remind ourselves of the simple but powerful reminder of this week’s parsha that nothing contains the power, impact or holiness of HaShem like the everyday miracles of the possible.

Shabbat Shalom

Parshas Beshalach Summary from Torah.org

The Bnai Yisroel (Children of Israel - Jews) had left Mitzrayim (Egypt). The closest route to Eretz Yisroel (The Land of Israel) was along the Mediterranean coast up into Israel. However; this territory was occupied by the Philistines. The Bnai Yisroel were not ready for a battle, so Hashem (G-d) lead them toward the Sea of Reeds. Pharaoh was informed that The Bnai Yisroel appeared to be lost, and he strengthened his resolve and that of his people and pursued the Jews into the Desert.

The Egyptians caught up to the Jews as they were camped by the edge of the sea. (Imagine the thundering sound, and cloud of dust that 600 charging chariots must have made and you can begin to understand the pure terror that must have struck the hearts of the people.) Moshe reassured them that they only had to trust Hashem and stand silently as His awesome majesty wiped out the might of Mitzrayim.

Moshe was told to stretch out his staff over the sea. Hashem separated the Jews from the Egyptians with a cloud cover and caused an Easterly wind to blow the entire night. As the waters parted, the Bnai Yisroel entered between the towering walls of water and crossed to the other side. The Egyptians chased after them into the parted waters of the sea.

Moshe stretched his arm back over the sea and the waters returned to their natural state, drowning the might and glory of Egypt's best. The Bnai Yisroel witnessed G-d's awesome display of justice and they believed in the reality of Hashem and in the appointment of Moshe as His most trusted servant. Moshe, and then Miriam, lead the Bnai Yisroel in a spontaneous song of exaltation and thanksgiving. The incident with the bitter waters at Marah is detailed.

The Bnai Yisroel struggled with the realities of their experience, attempting to balance faith with practical concerns for survival. The concerns for food and water were overwhelming and Moshe promised them quail and Maana. These "miracles" were introduced to the Jews as evidence of Hashem's love, caring, honor and glory.

The Bnai Yisroel were given strict instructions regarding the gathering and eating of the Maana. They were introduced to Shabbos, and an urn of Manna was saved for posterity.

The nation traveled to Rephidim, and confronted Moshe over the issue of water. Moshe saw this as an unnecessary challenge to Hashem's caring and love. Hashem instructed Moshe to hit the rock and bring forth water. The final episode in the Parsha was Amalek's unprovoked attack on the newly independent nation. Yehoshua lead the attack against Amalek while Moshe, Aharon, and Chur (Miriam's son) stood atop the battle field with Moshe's arms stretched heavenward. Hashem commanded us to eradicate and never forget Amalek's evil.