January 26, 2024 · ט"ז שבט תשפ״ד
Parashat Beshalach · פרשת בשלח
A PEEK AT THE PARSHA Paroh finally allowed Bnei Yisrael to leave Mitzrayim. Paroh immediately regretted his decision and chased after them. Trapped between Paroh’s approaching armies behind them and the sea in front of them, Moshe reassured Bnei Yisrael not to be scared. Hashem told Moshe to raise his staff over the water so that Bnei Yisrael can pass through the sea. The Egyptians followed Bnei Yisrael into the sea. Once Bnei Yisrael were safely on the other side, the waters came crashing down, drowning the Egyptians. Overcome with feelings of gratitude, Moshe and Bnei Yisrael sang a song to Hashem,
ONE BIG IDEA Attitude: In Marah, Bnei Yisrael could not drink the waters because, “they were bitter.” Most assume that “they” is referring to the water. Another understanding is that “they” means Bnei Yisrael. Since Bnei Yisrael had bitter feelings, the water tasted bitter. Very often, when we are in a bad mood, everything seems bad. The opposite is also true. When we have a positive outlook, everything seems good.
this was the song known as Az Yashir. Miriam also sang a similar song with the women. While in the desert, Bnei Yisrael traveled to a place called Marah. They hadn’t had water in 3 days. The water in Marah was bitter so they complained to Moshe and Aharon. Hashem told Moshe to throw a stick of bitter wood into the bitter water and then, miraculously, the bitter waters turned sweet. In Marah, Moshe taught Bnei Yisrael some of the laws of the Torah. Hashem then sent Bnei Yisrael heavenly food called Mahn (Manna). Hashem also sent Bnei Yisrael birds to eat. Each morning, Bnei Yisrael went out to collect their Mahn for the day. The Mahn did not fall on Shabbat, so Bnei Yisrael collected a double portion on Friday. Bnei Yisrael then traveled to a place called Refidim. Once again there wasn’t water, so Hashem told Moshe to take his stick and hit a rock. A miracle happened and water came out of the rock. Then a nation called Amalek attacked Bnei Yisrael. Whenever Moshe raised his hands in tefila, Bnei Yisrael would win and when he lowered his hands, Amalek would win. Yehoshua led Bnei Yisrael to victory and Bnei Yisrael were commanded to wipe out the memory of Amalek forever.
TIMES - זמנים Candle-lighting: 4:47pm Havdalah: 5:46pm allah: 5:25pm