In the Exodus story, the sea splitting is considered one of the greatest miracles of all time. While at first Pharaoh tells the Jews to leave Egypt, he predictably changes his mind, and the Egyptians race to annihilate the Hebrew slaves. The slaves flee, only to face what seems like an endless floor of water and despair. How will they possibly reach the promise of freedom?
The Shakh, a 17th century Talmudist, teaches that the Jews motivated God to split the sea. Each Hebrew slave took one step into the water. As they did, the sea parted the same distance as the size of their feet. Late into the night, step by step, the Jews walked through the sea, and step by step the sea parted for the Jews. It was an act of faith that led to Jews and God, journeying together.
An important reminder to each one of us is to have faith in God that our lives will change. And God has faith in us to begin the process. We rely on each other: Walking together, step by step, a splitting sea revealing a future filled with hope and ripe with possibilities.
Take the step. God is right there stepping alongside you.
Shabbat Shalom
In partnership with The Jewish Journal, you can also find Rabbi Guzik’s blog post HERE.
