Parshas Beshalach 5767

Commentary by Rabbi Ephraim Nisenbaum

---

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. There was still the danger that Pharaoh would pursue them to return to slavery.

G-d had another concern too. Were the people to leave by a route that was within easy access of Egypt, they would want 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.

As the people traveled, they were surrounded by a pillar of cloud by day, and a pillar of fire at night. This cloud followed them throughout their journeys in the desert.

The nation encamped by the Red Sea. When three days passed, Pharaoh realized that the Jews were not returning and began to pursue the nation. After six days he overtook 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 commanded Moshe to lead the people into the sea. The Jews trusted in G-d and marched directly into the Sea, which split before them. The Midrash describes how the sea actually split 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 spontaneous 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.

“The Children of Israel came within the sea on dry land...” (Exod.14:22)

The Kotzker Rebbe abhorred any form of false piety. A follower of his told the Rebbe that he was present at a different Rebbe’s table who so imagined the crossing of the Jews at the sea, that he lifted his garments so they shouldn’t get wet.

The Kotzker was not impressed. He explained, “If he was truly re-living the experience of crossing at the sea, do you think he would even remember to lift his garments?”

Did You Know...

The Land of Israel is praised with seven species of fruits: wheat, barley, olives, dates, grapes, figs, and pomegranates.

The significance of these fruits is described in the Talmud. Because of their importance, they take precedence over other fruits in order of preference. Thus, if one wishes to eat a variety of fruits including one of the seven, even if he likes another fruit better, he first recites the blessing on the seven species (even if the fruits were grown outside of Israel).

The juice of the seven species is not accorded any preference, except for wine and grape juice.

Even among the seven, preference is given according to their order in the Torah.