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Torah Portion: PARSHAS BESHALLACH

		PARSHAS BESHALLACH By: Rabbi Osher Jungreis

SHABBOS SHIRA TU B’SHEVAT This Shabbos we celebrate the holiday of Tu B’Shevat, which translated means “the fifteenth day of the Jewish month of Shevat”. The day is known as the “New Years of the Trees”, for it is in this season that most of the trees in Eretz Yisrael begin to bud. On this day we celebrate by planting trees in our Holy Land. For those of us who live in the Diaspora, it is customary to eat fruit grown in Eretz Yisrael and thus give expression to our connection to and love of Israel. SHABBOS SHIRA This Shabbos is known as Shabbos Shira -Shabbos of Song, for it was on this day that Moshe Rabbenu led the Jewish people in a song of exultation and thanksgiving following the crossing of the Red Sea. To this very day, in our morning service, we recite this song, “Oz Yashir”. Interestingly enough, the literal translation of Oz Yashir Moshe is “Then Moses will sing” (in the future tense), rather than “sang”, teaching us that, not only did Moshe Rabbenu sing his song of praise at the Red Sea, but he will lead us once again in song when our final redemption comes in the days of messiah, please G-d, very soon. The question arise, how can mere mortals sing a song of praise unto G-d that will adequately express His awesomeness? Truth be told, such a challenge is beyond the scope of man, and so each line of Moshe’s song is followed by a blank space, reminding us that indeed, no matter how great our praise may be, it cannot possibly adequately convey the greatness of the Almighty. PARSHAS BESHALLACH In this week’s parsha, it is written that the Jewish people were armed when they went up from Egypt (Exodus 13:18). But why would our ancestors need arms after having witnessed such astounding miracles as the ten plagues which brought Egypt to her knees? The people could simply have relied upon G-d’s continuing miraculous protection. From this we learn a profound lesson - we can anticipate G-d’s intervention on our behalf only if we demonstrate that we too are prepared to put ourselves on the line. Thus, G-d split the Red Sea for our forefathers only after Nachshon, from the Tribe of Judah, had the faith and courage to jump in. It was only then, when he demonstrated his faith and the nation followed his example that G-d allowed the miracle to occur. We have a teaching, “Do not rely upon miracles” - meaning that we have to do our hishtadlus, exert every effort in our power, and only then can we expect G-d’s miraculous help. What is important to remember however, is that we should not delude ourselves into believing that our success is the result of our own labor....we must recognize that everything stems from G-d. This then, is the fine balance that we must maintain - to do everything within the realm of human possibility to accomplish our mission, our goals - but at the same time be ever cognizant that our success comes from the Almighty G-d Himself. It is only He who guides and protects us. Shabbat Shalom Rabbi Osher Parshas Beshallach 14 Shevat 5764 Candle Lighting Time, Fri. Feb. 6, 5:00 PM Shabbos ends, Sat. Feb. 7, 6:14 PM