This week’s Torah reading brings us to one of the most dramatic and revealing moments in the entire Biblical narrative.

The Jewish people just left Egypt after centuries of slavery. They’re getting their first taste of freedom, yet they’re not totally in the clear – safety has not yet sully arrived. They reach the edge of the Red Sea. In front of them is water they cannot cross, and Pharaoh and his army are closing in on them fast. 

The Medrash explain that at this moment of fear and confusion, the people were divided. They split into four groups, each convinced they knew the right way forward.

One group said, “Let us jump into the sea;” another said, “Let us return to Egypt.”

A third said, “Let us fight Pharaoh,” and the fourth said, “Let us cry out and pray.”

Moses responds to each of the groups with the following words: “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and see the salvation of G-d… G-d will fight for you, and you shall be silent.” (Exodus 14:13–14).

Each of these four approaches seems good. Prayer seems noble. Fighting oppression sounds courageous. Self-sacrifice can appear heroic. However, G-d responds to Moses by saying:“Why do you cry out to Me? Speak to the Children of Israel and let them journey forward” (Exodus 14:15).

The commentaries say that one brave soul from then marched forward, without direction, safety or reassurance. It was then that the sea split. 

This fascinating anecdote teaches us an important lesson. From the........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)