Parashat Beshallach: Taking the plunge to make room for ourselves

Sometimes it is hard to take a leap of faith and make changes in our lives — even if we think those changes may be good for us. It can feel equally challenging to take risks by standing up for others. When we think about making a move in our lives — whether professionally, personally, or financially — even though the status quo may seem terrible or even just pareve, for some reason the alternatives may seem even scarier. So scary sometimes that we may convince ourselves that living in this untenable or mediocre situation is actually better for us. Or we convince ourselves that we don’t need to put ourselves at risk to help others. Someone else will take care of those in need. Why rock the boat, right?

But sometimes it takes a pivotal moment like the crossing of the sea to inspire us to act on something. It is in Parashat Beshallach, that we learn exactly how this crossing went. Or do we?

To be honest, a close reading of the text is confusing. It seems that there are multiple narratives. Was it God who parted the sea? Moses? The Israelites?

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At first we see God’s role in the parting of the sea. When the Israelites are kvetching to Moses, it is Hashem who gives a pep talk to Moses. Of course, God has a role in hardening the hearts of the Egyptians too, even “driving back the sea with a strong east wind…” (Exodus 14:21).

Second, Moses plays a part, of course, when he lifted his arms over the sea to part it, an image that symbolizes a peak of our freedom, not to mention Moses’ leadership.

So where do the Israelites come in? A midrash teaches us that one Israelite, Nachshon ben Aminadav, took the first plunge. When the water was up to his nose, the sea parted. Additionally, to complement this story, the Torah seems to illustrate that the Israelites had a less active role in the parting of the sea, claiming that “the Israelites went into the sea on dry ground” (Exodus 14:22). If it is true that the dry ground was already visible, were the Israelites really taking a risk at all by merely walking on dry land?

We may say it was not so risky based on this isolated verse in the text. However, when we put ourselves in the shoes of the Israelites, let’s remember, that must have been a very scary sea to enter. Even if Moses parted it for them. Even if Hashem was part of the master plan. Even if they were walking on dry land.

According to Hizkuni, the Israelites were doing all of this in the dark, not realizing where they were going. Could you imagine? According to Ibn Ezra, the Israelites were very close to the Egyptians, who were pursuing them. How terrifying!

In essence, it doesn’t matter how much of a role the Israelites played in parting the sea. Their contribution to the miracle was addressing their fears head-on, and despite looking fear in its face, taking a plunge anyway. Even if we believe the story of Nachshon to be true — that the sea parted because of Nachshon’s bravery — does it make the role of the Israelites any less important? I certainly hope not.

It was a horrifying situation that the Israelites were in. Even if I were stepping on dry land, I would still be worried about so many possibilities that could go wrong. Would the walls of the water come crashing in on me?  What if the Egyptians get to me before I am safe? Or  even worse, who will take care of my children if I drown?  These doubts and fears would make me want to turn back instead of moving forward.

But something in the Israelites shifted. Somehow, they became motivated to take those first steps. And it is because of their miraculous bravery that they eventually experience freedom.

Sometimes in our lives, we try to wait for all the pieces of the puzzle to align before we make a move or take a risk. We want God, our leaders, and fellow citizens to be in sync so that we can experience a miracle, or even a transition. Perhaps from one job to another. Or one relationship to another. Or even from slavery to freedom.

But here’s the truth: Even if all the stars are all aligned, even with God on our side, we sometimes need to overcome our fears. We need to suppress the voices inside us that tell us to keep it safe, to play nice, to make peace — all at the expense, sometimes, of our own happiness. It is upon us — like the Israelites — to take the first steps and make room for a better life. For others, of course. But also, for ourselves.