B"H
Thursday, Shevat 11, 5783 (Hakhel Year) / February 2, 2023
This Shabbat we will read Parshat B'Shalach. The Parsha begins, "When Pharaoh had sent away the people [of Israel] 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] when they encounter war and will return to Egypt. So G-d led the people around by the way of the wilderness by the Sea [Yam Suf]."
The Torah continues, "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 Children of Israel 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..."
Moshe prayed and G-d responded, "Tell the Children of Israel that they 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 seeing their enemies drown, their faith was greatly strengthened. "And Israel saw the great hand with which the L-rd brought on the Egyptians and the people feared the L-rd; and they believed in the L-rd and in Moshe his servant.
Then Moshe and the Children of Israel sang a song of praise to G-d (“Az Yashir”). The song which Moshe and the Jewish people sang after crossing the sea was incorporated into our daily morning prayers.
The morning prayers begin with verses of praise to G-d (P'sukei D'Zimra) which describe the wonders of G-d's creations and that G-d rules the world through the laws of nature. We recite the "Az Yashir," because it shows how G-d canchange nature whenever He sees fit.
Q. What is the daily lesson of "Az Yashir"?
A. The Exodus from Egypt wasn't complete until Jews were rid of the Egyptians. This occurred only after they crossed the sea. Thus, the song of Az Yashir represents the culmination 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.
There is another reason: Reciting the "Az Yashir" every day teaches us an important lesson. The splitting of the sea occurred when 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.
Similarly, we are reminded each day that no matter how difficult things may seem, even when we don’t see how our help will come, one must not give up. Instead, we should continuously have faith in G-d and pray to Him. For, just as with the splitting of the Sea when Jews came out of Egypt, His help and salvation can occur at any moment and from a most unexpected place. We should never give up.
HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL DAY