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So much has happened since we left Moses and Aaron being briefed by God on their upcoming mission: Signs and wonders before Pharaoh in the form of a staff that can turn into a snake, and even eat the snakes created by Pharoah’s magicians. Plagues of Blood and Frogs and Lice and Beasts and Cattle Disease and Boils and Hail. But throughout it all, no matter how abject Pharaoh has been in his pleading, as soon as the plague has been lifted, Pharaoh refuses to let God’s People Go.
Following the final three plagues—Locusts, Darkness, and the Death of the Firstborn—Pharaoh’s will is broken, and he finally comes to the understanding of his advisers that “Egypt is lost.” The people are sent forth.
But Pharaoh has a change of heart, and pursues the people into the Wilderness, as far as the Sea of Reeds, where a great miracle happens:
The waters were split, and the Israelites went into the sea on dry ground, the waters forming a wall for them on their right and on their left. The Egyptians came in pursuit after them into the sea, all of Pharaoh’s horses, chariots, and riders.
The waters turned back and covered the chariots and the riders—Pharaoh’s entire army that followed them into the sea; not one of them remained. (Exodus 14:21-23; 28)
This is the miracle we remember in our prayers every morning and every night: the blessing we say after reciting the Shema celebrates our redemption from Egypt, and quotes from the Song the People sang in jubilation:
Who is like You, O ETERNAL One, among the celestials;
Who is like You, majestic in holiness,
Awesome in splendor, working wonders!
GOD will reign for ever and ever! (Exodus 15:11; 18)
We are living in challenging times, and there is disagreement amongst the Jewish people as to how best to approach the reality here and in Israel, how best to balance the values of Loyalty, Tradition, Kindness to Strangers, Security, Safety, Responsibility, Accountability, Repairing the World, and our very Survival as Jews.
I take comfort that, at least twice a day, so many of us are give voice to an agreement: a Great Miracle was performed for us in the past, and with God's Help Great Miracles will be performed for us again in the future.
Rabbi David Cantor
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