As individuals and as a society there are times when we face moments of change or transition. These may be moments when our old habits no longer serve us or in fact they now hurt us. Perhaps we overthink things. Or we freeze up in a moment that requires action.
That is what happens this week to the Israelites. They have been finally allowed to leave Egypt by Pharaoh. But now Pharaoh has sent his army in pursuit to bring them back and re-enslave them. In front of the Israelites is the Sea of Reeds; behind them is Pharaoh’s army. In this week’s Torah portion we read, “Then יהוה said to Moses, “Why do you cry out to Me? Tell the Israelites to go forward.” (Exodus 14:15)
There is a midrash in the Mekhilta de Rebbe Ishmael (3rd Century Israel) that tells a story related to this verse, “While the Israelites were taking advice/debating/arguing (over which course of action to take), Nachshon ben Aminadav jumped (into the Red Sea), and his tribe [Judah] followed him into the sea.” In this midrash, as mortal danger approaches the Israelis are paralyzed, by debate and talk. But one of them, Nahshon, acts. Believing in his people’s right to freedom he takes a leap of faith and jumps into the sea. It is at that moment that the miracle occurs, when Nahshon acts. Theodor Herzl, the founder of Zionism said, “If you will it, it is no dream.” Sometimes, we need to plan and discuss and sometimes we need to act to make change. The trick is knowing when.
Beshalach, Exodus 13:17-17:16, Parshat Hashavua for Shabbat, February 4, 2023
February 3, 2023 by Dean Kertesz • Drashot
As individuals and as a society there are times when we face moments of change or transition. These may be moments when our old habits no longer serve us or in fact they now hurt us. Perhaps we overthink things. Or we freeze up in a moment that requires action.
That is what happens this week to the Israelites. They have been finally allowed to leave Egypt by Pharaoh. But now Pharaoh has sent his army in pursuit to bring them back and re-enslave them. In front of the Israelites is the Sea of Reeds; behind them is Pharaoh’s army. In this week’s Torah portion we read, “Then יהוה said to Moses, “Why do you cry out to Me? Tell the Israelites to go forward.” (Exodus 14:15)
There is a midrash in the Mekhilta de Rebbe Ishmael (3rd Century Israel) that tells a story related to this verse, “While the Israelites were taking advice/debating/arguing (over which course of action to take), Nachshon ben Aminadav jumped (into the Red Sea), and his tribe [Judah] followed him into the sea.” In this midrash, as mortal danger approaches the Israelis are paralyzed, by debate and talk. But one of them, Nahshon, acts. Believing in his people’s right to freedom he takes a leap of faith and jumps into the sea. It is at that moment that the miracle occurs, when Nahshon acts. Theodor Herzl, the founder of Zionism said, “If you will it, it is no dream.” Sometimes, we need to plan and discuss and sometimes we need to act to make change. The trick is knowing when.