In times of crisis, we often feel exactly as our forefathers did at the banks of the Yam Suf (the Red Sea)—trapped between a vast sea and an enemy closing in behind us. On the Seventh Day of Pesach (Passover), we are not merely recalling a miracle of the past; we are being given a clear directive for the present—a lesson for today, for moments when the way forward seems completely blocked.

One of the most striking details of Krias Yam Suf (the splitting of the Red Sea) is that the waters did not split right away. The nation stood divided—some spoke of surrender, others of fighting, and others turned to tefillah (prayer). And then there was one individual, Nachshon ben Aminadav, who did not wait. He walked straight into the sea and continued until the waters reached his nostrils. Only then did the miracle begin, as the sea split before his very eyes, revealing a clear path, with the waters rising like walls on either side (Shmot 14:22; Rashi on Shmot 14:22).

This is not just a story—it is a directive. In a time of war, we cannot wait for a perfect moment or for clear signs from Shamayim (Heaven) before we act. Whether through quiet acts of chessed (kindness), supporting those on the front lines, or strengthening our inner emunah (trust in Hashem), it is our initiative that opens the door for siyata d’Shmaya (Hashem’s help). We do not wait for the path to open; we begin moving—and then Hashem makes the way.

Chazal (our Sages) ask: “What did the sea see that it fled?” And they answer: it saw the aron (coffin) of Yoseph (Yoseph HaTzaddik—the righteous Yoseph). Generations earlier, Yoseph fled from aveirah (sin) in a moment of powerful nisayon (test), and he also forgave his brothers—rising above natural instinct (teva) to show extraordinary compassion. Because he acted beyond his nature, the sea was compelled to rise above its nature for his descendants (Rashi on Shmot 14:30; Mechilta D’Rabbi Yishmael, Beshalach 10).

The message is clear. The work we do in the hidden places—inside our hearts and minds, in controlling our speech, rising above our teva (natural instincts), and acting with sincerity and compassion—shapes the reality we see in the world. Our private spiritual efforts have real impact, and the hidden strength we build becomes the foundation for Hashem’s help, protection, and unity in the physical world (Zohar I:135b; Sha’ar HaGilgulim, Hakdama 20).

Times of milchamah (war) can bring out fear, tension, and division. But when we choose a higher path—when we strengthen achdus (unity), guard our speech, and overcome our inner struggles—we are not only improving ourselves; we are changing reality. When Klal Yisrael (the Jewish people) acts above nature, Hashem responds in a way that is above nature (Ramban, Shmot 14:30; Rav Chaim Volozhiner, Nefesh HaChaim I:3).

There is also a powerful teaching in the Torah’s wording of Shirat HaYam (the Song at the Sea): “Az yashir Moshe”—“Then Moshe will sing,” in the future tense. Chazal explain that even then, with the walls of water still standing, the song of the future was already alive within them (Rashi on Shmot 15:1; Midrash Rabbah, Shemot 21:4).

This is the secret of Jewish strength. We do not just hope things will get better—we live with the certainty that they will. Even in the middle of difficulty, we carry within us the song of the geulah (redemption). We can stand before walls of water and already hear the song on the other side.

As we walk forward, we carry the words of Dovid HaMelech (King David) in our hearts: “גם כי אלך בגיא צלמות לא אירא רע כי אתה עמדי” (Gam ki eilech b’gei tzalmavet, lo ira ra, ki Atah imadi – “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are wah in the Storm: When We Walk, Hashem Opens the Wayith me”) (Tehillim 23:4). This is a living expression of emunah in the darkest moments.

We are the children of those who stood at the Yam Suf and did not turn back.

If we take that first step with emunah (trust in Hashem), if we push ourselves to rise above our teva (natural instincts), and if we hold onto the song of the future, then be’ezrat Hashem (with Hashem’s help) we will see the waters part once again.

“You’ll Never Walk Alone”

As we walk forward through the storms of missiles, warheads, enmity, and hatred, we take comfort in the truth that we never walk alone.

At the end of a storm is a golden sky. “אור זרוע לצדיק ולישרי לב שמחה” (Or zarua l’tzadik u’l’yishrei lev simchah – “Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart”) (Tehillim 97:11).

Indeed, we never walk alone—Hashem walks with us every step of the way.

Just as it was then, so too now—may our present struggle lead to light, to song, and to a lasting yeshuah (salvation) for all of Klal Yisrael. And in this difficult matzav (situation) in Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel), as families live with uncertainty and our soldiers stand with mesirut nefesh (self-sacrifice) on every front, may our strengthened emunah, our achdus, and our actions be the zechut (merit) that brings protection, success, and a swift geulah (redemption), bimhera beyameinu (speedily in our days).

Rabbi Eliezer Simcha Weisz

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)