February 8, 2025 ·
A PEEK AT THE PARSHA
Parshat Beshalach tells the dramatic story of Bnei Yisrael’s journey out of Egypt and their first steps toward becoming a free nation under Hashem’s guidance. After Pharaoh finally lets them go, Hashem leads them in a miraculous way by a pillar of cloud during the day and a pillar of fire at night. Instead of taking the shortest route to Eretz Yisrael, Hashem brings them toward the Yam Suf (Red Sea).
Meanwhile, Pharaoh regrets letting Bnei Yisrael leave and gathers his army to chase after them. When Bnei Yisrael see the Egyptian chariots approaching, they panic and cry out to Moshe. Hashem tells Moshe to lift his staff over the water, and an incredible miracle occurs: The sea splits into two walls, and Bnei Yisrael
ONE BIG IDEA
In Parshat Beshalach, Bnei Yisrael face a huge challenge the Red Sea is in front of them, and the Egyptian army is behind. Everyone is scared, but Nachshon ben Aminadav does something brave. He jumps into the sea, even though it looks impossible to cross. As soon as he steps in, thewatersbegintosplit.Wecanlearnfrom Nachshon that sometimes we might feel scared to take the first step, but Nachshon teaches us that faith and courage can lead to amazing miracles. When we trust Hashem, He helps us through tough times.
walk through on dry land! As soon as the Egyptians try to follow, the waters crash down on them, drowning Pharaoh’s army. Seeing this miracle, Bnei Yisrael break out in song Shirat HaYam, the Song of the Sea praising Hashem for saving them. Miriam, Moshe’s sister, leads the women in singing and dancing with tambourines.
After this great salvation, Bnei Yisrael continue traveling through the desert. They struggle with thirst and hunger, but Hashem provides for them. First, He makes bitter waters sweet so they can drink. Then, He sends special food from the heavens mahn (manna), which falls every morning and tastes like whatever they want. Hashem commands them to collect a double portion on Friday, since no mahn falls on Shabbat. This is one of the first times Bnei Yisrael learn about the holiness of Shabbat and the importance of preparing for it.
Later, the people complain about a lack of water again, and Hashem tells Moshe to strike a rock, bringing forth fresh water. But their challenges aren’t over. Suddenly, the nation of Amalek attacks them! Moshe instructs Yehoshua to lead the soldiers, while Moshe stands on a hill and raises his hands in prayer. As long as his hands are up, Bnei Yisrael are victorious. When he gets tired, Aharon and Chur help support his hands, and Bnei Yisrael win the battle.
5:25pm
PARSHA STATS
Mitzvot ..............................1 (1 Do)
Lines in the Torah ..............215 (17th most)
Pesukim .............................116 (23rd most)
Words ................................1681 (19th most)
Letters................................6423 (18th most)
Year(s)................................2448
(Source: OU Torah Tidbits)
The one mitzvah found in Parshat Beshalach is a big one…saying Hallel! We say Hallel a lot at Ramaz. But did you know that not all Jews who say Hallel say it the same number of times during the year? Jews who live in Israel say it fewer times because chagim (holidays) in Israel are shorter. And there are some chagim where some Jews say Hallel, and others don’t. And on some chagim, some Jews also say Hallel at night and others don’t. All in all, we say Hallel 43 times per year.
CHECKLIST
To be filled out after shabbat and brought in Monday.
I called to wish them a “Shabbat Shalom”
I went to ________________ shul (synagogue)
I did the Shabbat mitzvah of_______________
Hadlakat Nerot/Kiddush/Hamotzi/ Birkat Hamazon
Sang zemirot/songs
I wore __________________ in honor of Shabbat
I __________________________ in my home to prepare for Shabbat
Full Name: ______________________________
Class: __________________________________
Parent Signature: _________________________
QUESTIONS
1. How many times per year do we say Hallel?
2. Can you list all the times of the year we say Hallel? Hint: 2 of the times we say it, we split it in half.
3. Who is the first Jew to go into the Red Sea?
4. Thought question: Can you think of a moment when it would be hard – but right! - to be the first to do something?
5. Which day of the week did Bnei Yisrael get 2 portions of Mahn? Why?