B"H

Tuesday, Shevat 9, 5783 (Hakhel Year) / January 31, 2023

Parshat B'Shalach begins, "When Pharaoh had sent away the people [of Israel] and G-d did not lead them through the land of Phlishtim, although it was near, for G-d said, The people might regret [leaving Egypt] if they encounter war and will want to return to Egypt.’ G-d led the people around by the way of the wilderness by the sea."

After spending two hundred and ten years as slaves in Egypt, many Jews couldn't imagine any other way of life, thus wouldn’t appreciate the benefit and value of freedom. Many even refused to leave Egypt.

Even those who left Egypt had not acquired complete faith in G-d. As we read in this Parsha, that each time the people of Israel encountered hardship, they immediately regretted the Exodus and wanted to go back to Egypt.  As a result, G-d didn't want them to encounter war, which may cause them to want to return to Egypt. So, instead of leading them by the short route, He led them through a longer route.

It took seven weeks from the Exodus until the Giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai. During this time, the people went through several tests, as recorded in this Parsha:

1) The Egyptians chased after them, trapping them between the desert and the sea. Seeing the Egyptians behind them, they became frightened and cried, even wanting to return to Egypt.  Moshe told them, “Do not fear them, you will see G-d’s salvation, which He will perform for you today. For as you see the Egyptians today, you will not see them again forever. G-d will fight for you, and you stay silent.”

2)  After crossing thesea, they traveled for three days and had no water. Coming to Mara, they found water, but it was bitter and not drinkable. They complained against Moshe. G-d showed Moshe a stick and instructed him to throw it into the water and it became sweet. 

3)  One month after they left Egypt, they ran out of food.  Again, again they complained against Moshe and Aaron, “Why did you take us out of Egypt to die in this desert from hunger?” G-d supplied them with Manna from heaven every day (except Shabbat) for the next forty years, throughout their stay in the desert.

4)  Reaching Refiddim they were again without water and G-d supplied them with water from a rock. 

5)  At the end of the Parsha we read about the war which Amalek fought against them and lost.

Lesson: Our sages emphasize that G-d introduced the Jewish people to freedom and nationhood through constant miracles. This was a lesson that for our existence we are always dependent on G-d.  Our survival throughout the past three thousand years until today, is only due to Divine Providence and G-d’s constant miracles. Yes, it is a mitzvah to be strong and defend ourselves and stand up to our enemies, but at the same time, we must know that it is G-d Who guides us, shields us and protects us.  

HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL DAY