Parasha Overview: Beshalach (Videos)
Weekly Sidra: Beshalach (when [he] let go)
Torah Portion: Shemot / Exodus 13:17-17:16
Haftorah: Shofetim / Judges 5:1-5:31
Beshalach, Beshallach, or Beshalah (בְּשַׁלַּח — Hebrew for “when [he] let go,” the second word and first distinctive word in the parasha) is the sixteenth weekly Torah portion (parasha) in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading and the fourth in the book of Exodus. The title comes from the first verse of the reading, which can be literally translated to say, “And it happened when Pharaoh sent out the people.” It constitutes Exodus 13:17–17:16. Jews in the Diaspora read it the sixteenth Sabbath after Simchat Torah, generally in January or February.
In last week’s parasha, parasha Bo, the people of Israel were miraculously redeemed from their slavery in Egypt after ten wondrous plagues of Egypt culminating with the plague of the death of the first born of Egypt. This parasha continues the story as the Jewish nation continues their escape.
The parasha is notable for the “Song of the Sea,” which is traditionally chanted using a different melody and is written by the scribe using a distinctive brick-like pattern in the Torah scroll. The Sabbath when it is read is known as Shabbat Shirah, and some communities have various customs for this day, including feeding birds and reciting the "Song of the Sea" out loud in the regular prayer service.
Note: On the Shabbat the Torah Reading is divided into 7 sections. Each section is called an Aliya [literally: Go up] since for each Aliya, one person “goes up” to make a bracha [blessing] on the Torah Reading. Here are this week`s aliyot:
1st Aliya: Bnai Yisrael (Children of Israel – Jews) had left Mitzrayim (Egypt). The closest route to Eretz Yisrael (The Land of Israel) was along the Mediterranean coast up into Israel. However; this territory was occupied by the Philistines. Bnai Yisrael were not ready for a battle, so HaShem (God) lead them toward the Sea of Reeds. Pharaoh was informed that Bnai Yisrael appeared to be lost, and he strengthened his resolve and that of his people and pursued the people of Israel into the Desert.
Moshe takes the bones of Yosef with him as Yosef had made them promise to do when their redemption came. They were led by God, by day in a pillar of cloud, and by night by a pillar of fire.
2nd Aliya: The Egyptians caught up to the people of Israel as they were camped by the edge of the sea. (Imagine the thundering sound, and cloud of dust that 600 charging chariots must have made and you can begin to understand the pure terror that must have struck the hearts of the people.) Moshe reassured them that they only had to trust HaShem and stand silently as His awesome majesty wiped out the might of Mitzrayim.
3rd Aliya: Moshe was told to stretch out his staff over the sea. HaShem separated the people of Israel from the Egyptians with a cloud cover and caused an Easterly wind to blow the entire night. As the waters parted, the Bnai Yisrael entered between the towering walls of water and crossed to the other side. The Egyptians chased after them into the parted waters of the sea.
Moshe stretches out his hands and the sea divides. God removes Himself from leading the way before the people of Israel to following after them. This is in order to go between the people of Israel and the Egyptians to protect the people of Israel. The pillar of cloud also goes behind the people of Israel to cause darkness for the Egyptians. The waters are a wall on each side of the people of Israel and they walk on dry land in the midst of the sea. The Egyptians pursue after them, including all of Pharaoh’s horses and chariots. God takes off the wheels from the Egyptian’s chariots, and the Egyptians say, "Let us flee from Israel, because God fights for them".
4th Aliya: Moshe stretched his arm back over the sea and the waters returned to their natural state, drowning the might and glory of Egypt’s best. The Bnai Yisrael witnessed God’s awesome display of justice and they believed in the reality of HaShem and in the appointment of Moshe as His most trusted servant. Moshe, and then Miriam, lead Bnai Yisrael in a spontaneous song of exaltation and thanksgiving "Az Yashir" praising God.
The word used here to mean "sing" — "Yashir," is in the future tense, indicating that this song will be used again at the time of Techiyat Hameisim – (resurrection of the dead), which will happen along with Mashiach’s coming, may it be speedily in our days!
God then gives the Jewish Nation some Chukim — commandments without readily human understandable reasons — and said that if the people of Israel keep all of God’s Chukim, then God will not afflict the people of Israel with any of the diseases of Egypt. God then concludes that He is the God that heals them.
The incident with the bitter waters at Marah is detailed.
5th Aliya: Bnai Yisrael struggled with the realities of their experience, attempting to balance faith with practical concerns for survival. The concerns for food and water were overwhelming and Moshe promised them quail and Maana. These “miracles” were introduced to the people of Israel as evidence of HaShem’s love, caring, honor and glory.
God answers that He will provide quail and manna for them to eat, and that each day they should gather only what they need for one day, but on Friday they will have enough for two days (to provide for Shabbat)
6th Aliya: Bnai Yisrael were given strict instructions regarding the gathering and eating of the Maana. They were introduced to Shabbat, and an urn of Manna was saved for posterity.
7th Aliya: The nation traveled to Rephidim, and confronted Moshe over the issue of water. Moshe saw this as an unnecessary challenge to HaShem’s caring and love. HaShem instructed Moshe to hit the rock and bring forth water. The final episode in the parasha was Amalek’s unprovoked attack on the newly independent nation. Yehoshua lead the attack against Amalek while Moshe, Aharon, and Chur (Miriam’s son) stood atop the battle field with Moshe’s arms stretched heavenward. HaShem commanded us to eradicate and never forget Amalek’s evil.
Jewish tradition teaches that whenever our enthusiasm for a mitzvah is dampened, it’s our personal internal Amalak doing it to us, and we are enjoined to blot it out. It is interesting to note that the word for "doubt" in Hebrew, is "sofek", which has the same gematria (numerical value) as Amalak (240). So whenever we have a doubt that slows or prevents a mitzvah, that is Amalak slowing or preventing that mitzvah.
Categories: Parasha Beshalach, Torah, Torah Video
0 Responses
You must be logged in to post a comment.