A guest post by Rabbi Aaron Fink (my father), Dean of Ateres Bais Yaakov in Monsey NY. Part of a weekly Dvar Torah (Torah “Thought”) series.
Parshas B’shalach
Lasting Inspirations
The inspiration of Krias Yam Suf was short lived. Almost immediately following the parting of the sea, Bnai Yisrael challenges Moshe (and Hashem Yisborach) with a litany of complaints. First there is no water, then no bread, next ,no meat and then again no water. One complaint after another.
Always there for his people, Hashem Yisborach lovingly responds to all of our “wants.” First, by sweetening the water at Marah. This was followed with the gift of “mon” and the daily arrival of the slav. Hashem even delivers a stream of water after Moshe (correctly) hits the rock. Ultimately, however, it was not enough. The Torah tells us that Klal Yisrel encamped in Riphidim and Amalek attacked. Why? Bacause klal Yisrael behaved in a way which reflected a lack of appreciation for all of the gifts Hashem had provided. Sadly, Bnai Yisrael kept upping the ante, so to speak, as they tested Hashem saying, “hayeish Hashem bikirbeinu im ayin.” So Amalek attacked and we once again turned back to Hashem and realized just how much we need Him..
The Torah not only records the problem but provides the response. It is a lesson for us still today.
What was the method to overcoming Amelek. Moshe told Yehushu tzei v’hilachem ba’Amalek— go out and battle Amalek. The only way to vanquish the cynicism and indifference of Amalek is to “tzei”-go forth. We must gird ourselves with a pro-active, positive energy and move forward with alacrity and appreciation for the gifts Hashem has bestowed upon us. But it was not “tzi’u” in the plural—a group approach toward being effective in conquering Amalek. It was “tzei”— each individual had to feel the responsibility of making a difference. Just as it only takes one cynic to destroy the spiritual health of a nation, so, too, it would require each individual to put their positive energy into the totality of klal Yisrael’s relationship with Hakadosh Baruch Hu. Each of us makes a difference. The success of our individual efforts yields the greatest collective results.
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