A Pillar of Cloud and Fire

Parshat B'Shallach

Exodus 13:17-17:16

This week's parsha picks up where we left off last week with the escape of the Jews from Egypt. Once Pharaoh okay'd their "release," the Israelites set off, using God's somewhat faulty GPS - instead of taking the more direct route, which would have set them on a path through the land of the Philistines - ripe for a potential conflict, they took a more leisurely route by way of the wilderness at the Sea of Reeds. Along their way, God went before them in a pillar of cloud by day, the better with which to guide them along their way, and a pillar of fire by night, to give them light.

Meanwhile, God hardens Pharaoh's heart, and the Egyptians pursue the escaping slaves. As Pharaoh drew near the encamped slaves, the Israelites caught sight of their advancing foe, and after arriving at the Sea of Reeds, an seemingly insurmountable obstacle, the people begin to express great doubt and fear. Moses lifts up his rod and holds his arm over the sea, and God drove back with a strong wind and turned the sea into dry ground. Once the Israelites reach the opposite side of the sea, the waters close in over their foes, drowning all of the Pharaoh's horses, chariots, and horsemen. Now convinced of the greatness of God, the Israelites, led by Moses and Miriam, sing songs of praise.

As they continue along their way, the Israelites fall victim to great discontent - they go without water for three days before Moses is able to provide adequate drinking water. Shortly thereafter, a hungry people begin to grumble against Moses and Aaron, and they are later given food and manna. On the sixth day, they gather a double portion, for there would be no manna given on Shabbat.

The parsha concludes with an interesting story. After camping at Rephidim, the Israelites are attacked by their first enemy - the Amalekites. Moses instructs Joshua to lead the army, and Moses goes up to a nearby hill with Aaron and Hur - when he reaches the top of the mountain, Moses lifts the rod of God up high, causing the Israelites' army to begin to succeed against the Amalekites. However, when Moses grows weary and lowers his arm, the Amalekites begin to prevail. Moses sits upon a stone and his two companions sit on either side of him; they help to support his arms and Amalek is defeated. God instructs Moses to record these events and to remember Amalek as Israeli's eternal enemy.

For your Shabbat table:

• How do you think the Israelites felt when they left Israel?
• After the Israelites leave Egypt, it says that God hardens Pharaoh's heart, causing him to give chase after his escaping slaves. Why would God do this?
• When the Israelites made it to the other side of the Sea of Reeds, they break out into jubilant song. Why do you think they decided to sing? How can a song help you to express emotions better than simply speaking? What are other ways you use to express yourself?
• The Torah includes the Song of the Sea in this portion - take a look at the image of how it is written (at the top of this post). What is unique about this passage? Why do you think it is written that way?
• The Torah tells us that several times during this portion of their journey (which ultimately took 40 years!), the Israelites grumbled against Moses and God. Has there been a time when you've "grumbled" against someone? Why? How did others react?
• At the end of the portion, it takes two others, Aaron and Hur, to help Moses raise his arms so that the Israelites would prevail over the Amalekites. Why do you think a great man like Moses couldn't do it by himself?

This week's g-dcast: