 | | Parshat Beshalach teaches us about the Manna, the miraculous food that fell from the heavens and sustained the Jewish people in the wilderness for forty years, as it says, “I will rain down bread for you from the sky, and the people shall go out and gather each day that day’s portion – that I may thus test them, to see whether they will follow My instructions or not.” (Shemot 16:4). Many Torah commentators want to know what the nature and purpose of this “test,” the test of the Manna, was really about. Rashi understands the test to be a simple exercise in obedience, stating, “Will they observe the commands associated with it? That is, that they should not leave any overnight, and that they should not go out on Shabbat to collect it.” The Sforno, however, has a wholly different view on the nature and purpose of the test of the Manna. Says the Sforno, “When they will have food without toil. As our Sages say, ‘The power of interpretation of Torah was granted only by those who eat the Manna.’” What is the meaning behind the Sforno’s cryptic words?
The generation that left Egypt was truly unique among all Jewish generations. All of their material needs were miraculously met. Not only did they have the Manna to feed them, but a well of water followed them wherever they went, the Clouds of Glory protected them and sheltered them against the elements, even their clothes did not wear out nor did their feet swell from travel. And so, with all of their material needs met, the Sforno is asking, will they now spend their time immersed in spiritual pursuits? Will they now spend their time learning Torah in order to follow in its ways? Will they now devote themselves to developing their spiritual lives, satisfying the hunger of their souls, because their physical hunger is satisfied? This was that generation’s test, this was what the test of the Manna was really about: Will people who have everything take advantage of the opportunity to “Follow in My instructions or not?”
While it is true, we are not from the generation which left Egypt – which received the Manna and the Torah at Sinai – we do live in an age of affluence. The lives many of us live could have only been imagined by previous generations. And while we still struggle in different ways, with finances, mental health and physical health among other things, we do have much in our lives to make living easier and less arduous. Thus, the Sforno’s explanation of the test of the Manna is still applicable to all of us: What are we doing with the space God provides us to make life easier? What are we doing with technology, with travel, with communication? Do we use these incredible gifts for holy purposes or not? Yes, God does test us with challenges and hardships. But God also tests us with comfort and ease. This Shabbat, may we all rise to the challenge posed by the test of the Manna – to use the incredible gift of modern living to help us develop ourselves spiritually, to use our free time to deepen our connection to Torah and Avodat HaShem, and to remember that especially when we feel like we have it all, “The Torah of Your mouth is more precious than gold and silver” (Ps. 119:72).
Shabbat Shalom!
-Rabbi Dan
| 
