B"H

Monday, Shevat 12, 5781 / January 25, 2021

This Shabbat we will read Parshat B'Shalach.

In last week’s Parsha, Bo, the Torah tells us about the Exodus of the Jewish people from Egypt.  In this week’s Parsha we read about the splitting of the Red Sea and how the Jewish people crossed over while the Egyptians, who were chasing after them, drowned. We also read the song which Moshe and the Jewish people sang, praising G-d, after crossing the sea.

The Torah tells us that after letting them go, "The heart of Pharaoh and his servants changed toward the people, and they said: 'What is this that we have done, that we have let Israel go from serving us?'"

Pharaoh and his men pursued the Jewish people and caught up to them by the sea.  Trapped between the sea and Pharaoh's army, "The Children of Israel lifted up their eyes and, behold the Egyptians were marching after them; and they feared exceedingly, and the Children of Israel cried out to G-d."

G-d responded, "Tell the Children of Israel that they should go forward. Lift up your rod and stretch out your hand over the sea, and divide it, and they shall go into the sea on the dry ground."

After crossing through the sea and witnessing their enemies drown, their faith was greatly strengthened.  The Torah says, "And Israel saw the great hand with which the L-rd brought upon the Egyptians and the people feared the L-rd; and they believed in the L-rd and in Moshe his servant.”

The Exodus from Egypt wasn't complete until they were rid of the Egyptians. This occurred only after they crossed the sea and realized that the Egyptians were no threat anymore.

Moshe and the people sang a special song praising G-d for this great miracle.  The song which they sang begins with, "Az Yashir."  Our sages incorporated this song into our daily morning prayers.

Q.What is the significance of reciting the Az Yashir each day, a song which the Jewish people sang for a miracle which took place over three thousand years ago?

A.As mentioned, crossing through the sea represents the end of the Exodus. The Torah commands us, "Remember the Exodus each day of your life." By reciting the "Az Yashir", we fulfill the mitzvah of remembering the Exodus each day.

Another reason: Reciting the "Az Yashir" each day teaches us an important daily lesson. The splitting of the sea occurred as Jews couldn't see any way out of their grave situation. The last thing they would think of doing was going into the sea. Yet, that is what G-d chose for their salvation. The Az Yashir is a daily reminder to us that no matter how difficult things may seem, one must not give up. G-d’s help and salvation can occur at any moment and from a most unexpected place.

HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL DAY