Today is the 7th day of Pesach. For the past year, the Eqyptians have been beset by the Ten Plagues. Dam, Tzfardaya, Kinim.. In English: Blood. Frogs. Lice. Wild Beasts. Pestilence. Boils. Hail. Locusts. Darkness. Slaying of the First-born. We’ve put blood on our doorposts to protect us from that last plague. And, now we are free, on the edge of Yam Suf, the Sea of Reeds.
While Pharaoh agreed to the Jews can leave Mitzrayim- the narrow place, he now regrets his decision. And, he and his chariots are charging towards the Jewish people. Moshe is admonishing and cajoling the crowd to enter the sea. They resist, saying they were released from Mitzrayim, one narrow strait, only to be killed on the edge of the sea- now. But, Kalev ben Yefune takes that step- the first step- into the sea. And, as he walks, Hashem has arranged for the parting of the sea. Leaving an isthmus over which the Jews can cross to the other side of the sea. And, they do.
Consider this fact- no matter how lame, no matter how old, no matter how young, they worked together, under the watchful eye of the Supreme Being, to cross this temporary land bridge. And, as they reach the other side, Pharaoh and his minions charge towards them, getting slogged down in the mushy ground beneath them. And, these propitious winds, the ones that Hashem knew would part the sea (science seems to indicate that this occurs routinely every 70 years or so for a short period of time), cease. And, the waters return to their normal configuration, drowning the horses, the soldiers, leaving only a memory.
This holiday of Freedom, where we celebrate this release from bondage, is spent with our families, recounting the events in Egypt and our release. And, recognizing all those little miracles in our lives- those events that occur at just the right time, to help us on our way.
May you all find release from your narrow places, to the expanse of freedom and the responsibilities that freedom entails.
(This is the last day of Pesach [some consider the last two days] is one of those where work is not permitted. I am in my synagogue or spending time with friends, celebrating the end of the holiday. My regular posts will resume as soon as Passover is over. Enjoy your holiday.)
Roy, this is such a great article. I love the idea the Hashem is helping us with those “little miracles in our lives” because I know he is.
I hope the end of the holiday is less stressful than its beginning although you had heavenly help being able to quickly change course when you didn’t have any water.
Actually, that’s kind of like what happened to the children of Israel at the sea only in reverse.
I just likened scriptures unto you with an ironic twist. How cool is that?
Ann Mullen recently posted..Do You Need a Freelance Writer?
Thanks for this comment, Ann.
Hope your holidays were grand, as well.