Parshas Beshalach 5766

Commentary by Rabbi Ephraim Nisenbaum

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Although Pharaoh had chased the Jewish people out of Egypt, his intentions were only that they leave for three days to offer sacrifices to G-d, and then return to slavery. This, however, was not the intention of G-d. As such, the Jews were by no means safe yet.

G-d had another concern too. Were the people to leave by a route that was within easy access of Egypt, they might be tempted to return at the first sign of difficulty. For this reason He led them on a roundabout path through the Sinai Desert, where it would be difficult for them to return to Egypt.

The nation encamped by the Red Sea. Pharaoh realized that the Jews were not returning, and began to pursue the nation, overtaking them at the sea. The people found themselves in a terrifying situation. The Red Sea spanned before them, a dangerous wilderness surrounded them, and the Egyptian armies were bearing down on them from the rear. G-d instructed Moshe to lead the people into the sea. The Jews trusted in G-d and marched directly into the Sea. The sea split before them and the seabed hardened for them. The Midrash describes how the sea actually divided into twelve transparent walls. Each tribe crossed through its own section on dry land, in the midst of the water. Many other miracles also occurred at that time.

The Egyptians followed the Jews straight into the sea, at which point the water returned to its original state. The Egyptian soldiers all drowned in the sea.

The people recognized G-d’s great miracle, and they broke into a song of praise. The Talmud relates that at that time, the simplest Jew had a revelation of G-d that would not be experienced by the greatest prophets in later times. The song, called Oz Yashir, was later incorporated into the daily prayers.

Shortly after their ascent from the sea, the Jews were attacked by the nation of Amalek. Although all of the other nations were in awe of the miracles at the sea, Amalek remained unmoved. When Moshe lifted his hands towards heaven, the Jews’ faith in G-d was strengthened and they were victorious in battle. Because of Amalek’s brazen antagonism towards G-d, the Jews were commanded to wipe out the memory of Amalek.

“They believed in G-d and in His servant Moshe.” (Ex.14:31)

The Steipler Rav comments that one’s belief in G-d is commensurate to his faith in the Sages. Historically, the movements that led people away from G-d all began with a lack of faith in, and a derision of, the Sages. A childless woman once came to Rav Moshe Feinstein for a blessing for children. Rav Moshe sadly told her that he couldn’t help her. The distraught woman insisted that the Rav’s blessing would indeed help her, and Rav Moshe offered his blessing. Later he said that he was sure she would have a child, not so much because of blessing but because of her sincere faith in the Sages. A year later the woman was blessed with a child.

Did You Know...

One may not trap an animal on Shabbos. One may put an animal which does not try to escape into its pen and close the gate, since that is not really trapping it. An animal that will escape, but will generally return at night, such as a dog, may not be caught unless there is concern of loss or suffering to the animal if it is not caught on Shabbos. Likewise, one may not close the door of a birdcage, even of a domestic bird, unless there is concern that the bird may cause damage. One may not trap an insect on Shabbos unless there is concern that it might sting somebody.