Parshat Beshalach

Parshat Beshalach highlights the profound role of speech in both redemption and faith. Hashem leads Am Yisrael on a detour through the desert to protect them from war and reassures them with a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night, signifying His constant presence.

When Pharaoh pursues them, the Israelites immediately complain to Moshe, wishing they had stayed in Egypt. Moshe reassures them of Hashem’s imminent salvation. With the parting of the Red Sea, their complaints quickly turn into songs of praise. This shift from negativity to gratitude demonstrates the transformative power of speech.

Speech is central to Pesach, as seen in the Haggadah (telling) and the mitzvah to declare "Pesach, matzah, and maror" on Seder night. We are commanded to recount and elaborate on the story of redemption, emphasizing that words shape memory and faith.

Even after witnessing open miracles, the Israelites soon return to complaining—about bitter water, food, and later water again. Despite this, Hashem mercifully provides for them. Moshe is instructed to speak to the rock to bring forth water, underscoring the importance of speech in eliciting divine blessings.

The attack by Amalek further illustrates the lesson: victory comes only when Moshe raises his hands in faith, inspiring the people to recognize Hashem’s ongoing miracles.

This parsha teaches that speech has immense power—it can uplift and praise, as in Shirat HaYam, or degrade and complain. Before the Red Sea, Moshe instructs silence to witness the miracle, reminding us that there is a time for silent awe and a time for verbal gratitude.

In our own times, many overlook the miracles of Israel’s ongoing redemption. Rabbi Druckman compares this to the "dreamers" in Tehillim (126) who struggle to appreciate the magnitude of their blessings. Let us learn from Moshe and Miriam to use our voices for gratitude and praise, recognizing Hashem’s miracles and deepening our connection to Him through speech.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rav Ari Haber