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Home -> 5755 -> Beshalach

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In Beshalach, 5755

“And when he (Moshe) let down his hand then Amalek prevailed.” (17:11)

The Ramban cites the Midrash that explains why Moshe “allowed” his hands to be lowered, thereby endangering the Jews in battle. The Midrash explains that Moshe’s action was consistent with the dictates of halacha. Halacha states that one should not spend more than three hours with his hands spread out in prayer toward Heaven.  Let us now attempt to reconcile this halacha with the matter of war against Amalek. Klal Yisrael was waging battle against a powerful and ruthless enemy. Amalek was an unscrupulous people, accustomed to violence. In contrast, Klal Yisrael had recently been liberated from a state of…

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Home -> 5755 -> Beshalach

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In Beshalach, 5755

“And your staff, with which you struck the river, take in your hand.” (17:5)

Rashi cites the Mechilta which takes note of the Torah’s emphasis on the staff “with which you struck the river.” When Bnei Yisrael were clamoring for water, Hashem said to Moshe, “Take the same staff that you used to bring plagues upon Egypt and strike the rock with it, and water shall come out.” Let Bnei Yisrael see that the same staff which brought about plague can also bring good. There is no dichotomy between the staff that brings evil and the one that brings good. Hashem is the source of both, and from Him only good emanates. We do…

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Home -> 5755 -> Beshalach

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In Beshalach, 5755

“And Bnei Yisrael saw the great hand (of Hashem)… and they believed in Hashem.” (14:31)

A Jew should strive to attain that sublime level of emunah in Hashem, so  that he truly believes with a clarity of vision. Let us explain. We have the notion that “seeing is believing.” This means that in order to really believe, one must see.  Hence, belief in a given concept is a step lower than actually seeing it. This is not the Torah perspective. The Chidushei Ha’Rim asserts that as Bnei Yisrael stood at the shores of the Red Sea and experienced unprecedented miracles, they were privy to a revelation of Hashem which was unparalleled. The Torah states that…

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Home -> 5755 -> Beshalach

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In Beshalach, 5755

“And the Bnei Yisrael went into the sea on dry land.” (14:22)

The Mechilta describes the scenario and dialogue that took place among the tribes prior to the splitting of the sea. Bnei Yisrael were standing by the shores of the Red Sea with the Egyptian army literally breathing down their necks. Suddenly, they began to argue about who should go into the water first. Each tribe vied for the opportunity to be the first to enter the Red Sea. During the negotiations, Nachshon ben Aminadav of the Tribe of Yehudah, jumped into the threatening waters. The tribe of Yehudah was indeed lauded for this singular act of devotion. As is stated…

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Home -> 5755 -> Beshalach

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In Beshalach, 5755

“And Hashem said to Moshe, ‘Why do you cry out to Me? Speak unto the Bnei Yisrael and let them journey forward.'” (14:15)

Rashi explains Hashem’s response to Moshe as he stood in supplication before Him. Hashem told Moshe, “Now, when Bnei Yisrael are in distress, is not the appropriate time to prolong one’s prayer.  Let them go forward, for the merit of their forefathers and their own emunah, faith, which they have exhibited is sufficient cause for the sea to split before them.” This interpretation is enigmatic. Moshe was praying to Hashem during a time of severe crisis for Bnei Yisrael.  Hashem told  Moshe that now, when Bnei Yisrael were teetering on the brink of disaster, was not a time for prayer….

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