Weekly Sidra: Beshalach (when [he] let go)
Torah Portion: Shemot / Exodus 13:17-17:16
Haftorah: Shofetim / Judges 5:1-5:31

The Israelites did so, some gathering much, some little. 18 But when they measured it by the omer, he who had gathered much had no excess, and he who had gathered little had no deficiency: they had gathered as much as they needed to eat. 19 And Moses said to them, "Let no one leave any of it over until morning." 20 But they paid no attention to Moses; some of them left of it until morning, and it became infested with maggots and stank. And Moses was angry with them. (Shemot 16:17-20)

This week’s reading is Beshalach which means either sent or accompany and the theme is highlighted throughout the text.

God sent Israel into the wilderness.  He accompanied them in a cloud by day and fire by night.  He also sent them Manna from Heaven.

The Parashat opens by stating “God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although it was nearer… God led the people roundabout, by way of the wilderness at the Sea of Reeds. (Chapter 13:17, 18) Why?

God could have easily allowed them to go through a nearer and possibly much easier path, but chose to send Israel along a more difficult path.  The place that God will send us to may be a land flowing with milk and honey, but the path to get there will not necessarily be an easy one.  In our lives do we want to take the easy path which may seem to lead to less pain in the short term; or are we willing to travel the more difficult paths knowing that God is leading the way?

God reveals the purpose in the crossing of the Sea of Reeds.  When Israel left Egypt they departed defiantly and boldly. (14:8) However, as Pharaoh approached they became greatly frightened. (V 10)  They had forgotten the purpose for which God brought them out of the land of Egypt.  Moses reminds them (v 13) to Have no fear and witness the deliverance of HaShem today!

Many times we too can forget our purpose.  We start out boldly believing the call of God in our lives, but we can often become fearful of the Yetzer HaRa (the Evil Inclination) that pursues us.  We start to swim in a sea of doubt and become overwhelmed by the waves of despair.  We must heed the words of Moses our Rabbi and Have no Fear because God will battle for us.

We see God providing manna for Israel.  “17 The Israelites did so, some gathering much, some little. 18 But when they measured it by the omer, he who had gathered much had no excess, and he who had gathered little had no deficiency: they had gathered as much as they needed to eat.” (Ch16: 17, 18)  In the same way God provides manna for Israel, He will also provide us with all of our daily needs.  This includes giving us the necessary skills and abilities we need to accomplish His purpose in our lives.  So may have more skills than others in a certain area, but each have exactly what we need in life.

We also see that when people tried to disobey God and leave the Manna till morning it stank and was of no use.  When we try and fulfill our purpose in a way in which God had not intended for us we can become frustrated and unfulfilled.  The only way to fulfill what God has for us is to do it His way using the talents He has provided for us.

We see the constant grumblings of Israel.  We have no food, we have no meat, the Egyptians are coming, and we need water.  It states “The people quarrelled with Moses.”Give us water to drink," they said; and Moses replied to them, "Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you try the Lord?" (17:2)

One of the biggest stumbling blocks to achieving God’s purpose in our lives is a negative attitude.  A bad attitude shifts the focus from God to us.  By doing this we can lose sight of the plan God has for our lives.

God has a plan and purpose for each and every one of us.  He may send us through rough places and accompany us through difficult waters, but if we focus on Him and not on ourselves we too can sing the victory Song of Moses.