Congregation Netivot Shalom

This week we study Parashat B’shallach, Exodus 13:17 – 17:16 and read the middle triennial portion of Exodus 14:15 – 16:10. This portion begins with the Israelites’ travels to the shores of the Reed Sea where they are warned by God the Egyptian army will pursue them. Our reading begins this week with a powerful line: God said to Moshe: “Why are you crying out to Me? Speak to the Israelites and tell them to start moving [into the sea]!” This is followed by the miraculous crossing through the sea on dry land and the drowning of the Egyptian army. After their salvation, the Israelites are led in song by Moshe and Miryam giving this shabat the name of Shabbat Shira, the Sabbath of Song (which always falls on or right before Tu B’Shevat). A Midrash teaches us that when the angles wished to join in with the singing, they were rebuked by God saying “when my children [the Egyptians] are drowning is not the time to sing to me”. The Israelites then camp on the other side of the sea, bitter waters are made sweet, and after more complaints, miraculous food in the form of Manna is promised to the hungry, freed, and un-appreciative Hebrews. The conclusion of the portion includes the Manna, rules about Shabbat, water from the rock, and the attack of Amalek. Shabbat Shalom and happy almost Tu B’Shevat! R’ Shalom Bochner, Director of LifeLong Learning