Parashat Beshalach 5784

by Rabbi Margie Cella

Parashat Beshalach tells the dramatic story of our liberation from Egypt. The nation went out into the desert, guided by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. Pharaoh regretted having let them go. Gathering 600 of his best chariots, he gave chase. The Israelites, trapped between the approaching Egyptian army and the waters of the Red Sea, cried out to Moses in fear. God told Moses to hold out his arm over the sea and the waters split, allowing the people to walk through on dry land. As the Egyptians followed them in, the waters closed on them, drowning them, thereby assuring the safety of the fledgling nation. In gratitude, Moses and the people sang a song of praise; Shirat haYam is a beautiful part of the daily Pesukei deZimrah prayers. Following the song, Miriam led the women in additional singing and dancing.

To sustain the people while they are in the desert, God provided manna, which appeared daily like dew on the grass.

The parashah concludes with the story of the battle with the people of Amalek. Whenever Moses would lift up his hands, the Israelites would prevail; when he put them down, Amalek prevailed. When Moses’ arms grew tired, Aaron and Hur came and held them up. We all have times when we need to be supported; there are also times when we need to be the support for those around us who may be struggling. And it is so important to remember to offer support to our leaders, who sometimes feel weighed down by the necessity of supporting so many others. Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh Ba’Zeh – All the people of Israel are responsible for one another.