Although Pharaoh had chased the Jewish people out of Egypt, his intentions were only that they should leave for three days to offer sacrifices to G-d, and then return to slavery. This, however, was not the intention of G-d. Once three days passed, Pharaoh led his armies in pursuit of the Jewish nation.
G-d was concerned that 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. Although this way presented greater physical danger, the spiritual danger was a greater concern.
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 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.
“This is my G-d and I will adore Him...” (Ex.15:2)
The Talmud expounds on this passage that a person should perform mitzvos in the most beautiful way possible. Although a person may be able to buy a cheaper esrog or mezuzah, it is preferable to buy a nicer one.
A person once asked the Gerrer Rebbe if he had a spare pair of tefillin he could borrow. The Rebbe happily offered him a pair. When the man returned the pair several days later, the Rebbe informed him that these tefillin were very dear to him as they had belonged to his father, the previous Rebbe.
The man was astounded. “Why did the Rebbe give me such precious tefillin?”
The Rebbe responded, “When helping another person, one should do it in the best way. I wanted to lend you the best tefillin I had!”
Another great man was careful to give crisp, new bills for tzedakah. Although crumpled bills might be worth the same, a crisp bill brings a little greater joy.
Did You Know...
On Shabbos, one may feed an animal only if he is responsible for its welfare, such as a pet. One may not feed a wild animal on Shabbos.
There is a custom to feed the birds on Shabbos Shira, to commemorate the crossing of the Sea, when the birds also chirped in song. Some authorities permit feeding the birds by leaving out bread, since they are not being fed directly. Other authorities leave the bread out either before Shabbos or after Shabbos.
One must be careful not to leave bread in a place where it can be stepped on. The Talmud warns that mistreating bread can lead to poverty.
