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Moshe Rabbeinu told the people that crying was not the correct response to the present situation. Hashem asked Moshe, “Why do you cry out to Me?” Apparently, this was a situation which did not call for prayer (cry out to me). It was a time for action, for an affirmation of one’s devotion to Hashem. In other words, when one is up against the Red Sea, with the Egyptian army bringing up the flank, one jumps into the water. Horav Shalom Arush, Shlita, explains that, on a deeper level, Hashem is actually teaching Moshe and Bnei Yisrael: “You do not…

In the Talmud Megillah 10b, Chazal state that the word vayehi, “and it was”, implies sadness. The Midrash says that Vayehi is a combination of two words: Vay – woe; and v’hi, as in nehi, which means mourning. These two words describe anything but joy. This brings us to ask: What about the Exodus engendered sadness? This was Klal Yisrael’s finest moment; surely nothing about it would provoke sadness. Furthermore, the phrase beshalach Pharaoh, “when Pharaoh sent (the people),” raises a question: When did Pharaoh send out the people? He had nothing to do with it! It was Hashem throughout…

Two specific aspects of the human experience–matrimony and earning a livelihood — are compared to the splitting of the Red Sea.  Kasheh zivugan shel adam k’krias Yam Suf, “It is as difficult to bring a man and his bride together as the splitting of the Red Sea.”  Kasheh mezonosav shel adam k’krias Yam Suf, “A person’s livelihood is as difficult (to provide) as the splitting of the Red Sea.”  The word kasheh, difficult, is a term which creates a dilemma.  Is there anything “difficult” for Hashem?  He can do as He pleases.  Nothing holds Him back.  How can any act…