Beshalach – Belief in Action

In Parshas Beshalach, the remarkable miracle of Hashem splitting the Yam Suf is described. Just seven days after the Jewish Nation departs from Mitzrayim, they look up to see the formidable Egyptian army, led by Pharoh, advancing towards them. With the desert and wild animals flanking them, and the tumultuous sea ahead, they find themselves trapped with no means of escape. Moshe cries out to Hashem, who instructs him to tell the people to advance into the sea. As they enter, just as they are about to drown, Hashem splits the Yam Suf, thereby saving the nation. After experiencing the great miracles that occurred during the sea's splitting, Moshe leads the nation in singing Shira, known as The Song of the Sea. Miriam then leads the women in their own Shira. This song has led to this Shabbos being traditionally called Shabbos Shira.

Towards the conclusion of the Parsha, the matza that the Jews had brought with them during their departure from Mitzrayim runs out, leading them to complain to Moshe about the lack of food. Hashem informs Moshe that that each morning, heavenly bread will descend to provide for the people. Each person is to take only what is necessary for one day's consumption, except on Friday, when a double portion will be available, as the mann will not fall on Shabbos. Dassan and Aviram, seeking to undermine Moshe's authority, deliberately leave bread out on Friday night. The next morning, when they take a group to “search” for the day's manna, it is missing. The birds have eaten it overnight. As a gesture of gratitude for the birds' actions, there is a custom to feed them on Erev Shabbos Shira.

You Claim to Believe, Now Act

Undoubtedly, a lesson exists that links these two narratives. It may be proposed that the following serves as a connection between these accounts. As human beings, we are granted the invaluable gift of choice. We possess the ability to make decisions and determine our actions as well as our reactions. The Jewish People at the Sea found themselves divided in their response to the frightening circumstances they encountered. Some wished to capitulate and revert to slavery in Egypt, while others embraced the legacy of their forebears and began to beseech Hashem for their rescue.

One event, two profoundly different responses. The first group relinquished hope, convinced there was no escape, believing they would either perish in the desert or be returned as captives to the oppression of Egypt. Conversely, the second group entrusted themselves to Hashem, earnestly seeking His mercy and deliverance. Hashem responds by affirming that He has already guaranteed their salvation, but they must now act. It is not sufficient to merely declare faith in Hashem; such belief must be demonstrated through action. Hashem instructs the people to undertake an action that demonstrates their genuine trust. The nation advances into the tumultuous sea, and as the water rises above their nostrils, threatening to drown them, Hashem parts the sea, ensuring the nation's safety.

The account of the Mann can be viewed through a similar perspective. The nation is experiencing hunger. There is no food remaining. They approach Moshe with their complaints and demand sustenance. Hashem hears their request as if it had been articulated appropriately and informs them that He will supply bread from heaven for their daily consumption. However, this provision is accompanied by two directives. First, nothing should be saved for the next day. The nation must trust that Hashem will provide their daily sustenance. Second, on Friday, they are to gather enough for two days since there will be no new mann on Shabbos. The question in this context is whether they will trust in Hashem’s ability and care for His people, or whether and believe they must provide for themselves. they will feel the necessity to take matters into their own hands The  people ignore the first rule, leaving some of their provisions for the following day, resulting in the Mann decaying and spoiling by the next morning. The second rule is also violated.

Trust Me

Hashem explicitly states that these guidelines were designed to evaluate the Jewish People's commitment to following His Torah. The Kli Yakar explains this represented a test of their faith in Hashem, examining whether they could behave in alignment with their professed beliefs. The act of saving food and leaving some uneaten suggested that their faith and trust in Hashem were not fully complete.

We all face moments when our fundamental convictions are put to the test. Each person will encounter challenges that are specific to their own experiences. As the saying goes, talk is cheap. It is not sufficient to merely assert that you believe in and trust Hashem; such claims must be followed by concrete actions. The Jews at Yam Suf were required to step forward into the Sea, while the starving individuals in the desert had to take only enough provisions for one day, and for Shabbos, they were permitted to gather a second day's worth. Let us actively seek opportunities to act in accordance with our beliefs, as through our actions, we can create a life that serves as a Shira, a harmonious melody of gratitude and reverence to our Creator.