Moses orchestrates a full year of plagues which completely debilitates Egyptian society. After the climactic 10th and final plague, the slaying of the First Born, Pharaoh finally agrees to let the Jews leave Egypt.
But, like any good megalomaniac, Pharaoh changes his mind and chases after them. When the Jews look in their rear-view mirrors and see the thundering Egyptian chariots fast approaching, panic spreads. The Jews feel trapped. There is no other outlet but the sea ― the Red Sea.
The Jews begin to berate Moses: "Why did you have to bring us out here to die in the desert? You should have just left us alone to work for the Egyptians!" (Exodus 14:11-12)
Ludicrous! How could the Jews, after 210 years of intolerable suffering in Egypt, complain to Moses for liberating them?!
About 20 years ago, an incident occurred in Stockholm where terrorists captured and held hostages. The hostages were abused both physically and emotionally. At the news conference following their release, the hostages all spoke in complimentary, glowing terms about their captors! Psychologists have since identified the "Stockholm Syndrome," whereby prisoners develop comfort and satisfaction in captivity.
For the Jews in Egypt, life was comfortable. In slavery, the rations may be meager and the bed made of straw, but there's an up-side as well: all one's needs are provided, and there are no challenging decisions to be made. No laundry, no shopping, no deals, no deadlines. The Hebrew word for Egypt, "Mitzrayim," means a "place of confinement." Sometimes it's the smallest box which makes us feel the most secure.
One Giant Leap
Three million Jews are standing at the shores of the Red Sea. Their options are either to go forward into the un-split sea, or back to Egypt. The sea is cold, strange and foreboding. Egypt is warm, familiar and comfortable.
The Egyptians are thundering closer. The Jews are panicked. And then Nachshon, from the tribe of Yehuda, steps foot into the sea. (The original "one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.") But the sea still does not split. Nachshon continues as the water reaches his ankles, then up to his knees. Still no split. Nachshon forges deeper: Up to his waist, his chest. Still no split.
Nachshon's mind races: Maybe we should return to Egypt. Then he reminds himself: Life is about growing ... leaving the place of confinement behind... moving forward into the unknown ... But the alternative ― to stay in our small space of warmth and comfort, is to choose stagnation and, ultimately, death. Egypt, Nachshon knew, was no option at all.
By now the water has reached his neck. Nachshon is being challenged to his limit. Yet he continues into the sea. As the water reaches his nostrils, at this last possible moment... the Red Sea splits. The Jewish People all rush in after him. Finally, freedom.
Self Esteem
Although every Jew passed through on dry land, the experience of Nachshon was qualitatively different. When Nachshon walked through the sea, he was alive and invigorated. The future had issued its challenge, and Nachshon confronted it head-on. Slavery was baggage he'd left behind. He was liberated, both body and soul.
Contrast this to the experience of the rest of the Jewish People. The others, having entered only after the sea split, were in one sense disappointed in themselves for not having the bravery of Nachshon. Nachshon "entered the water first" (Exodus 14:22); the others "entered first on dry land" (14:29).
The Gaon of Vilna (18th century Europe) offers a beautiful insight: In describing the experience of Nachshon, the Torah says "and the water formed a wall" (Exodus 14:22). But for the rest of the people, the Hebrew word for wall, "choma," is spelled peculiarly ― without a Vav. This can be read "Chaima," meaning anger. The Torah is reflecting each Jews' disappointment (and God's "anger") for not having had the courage to fulfill their own potential. The growth opportunity had been lost forever.
Breaking Out
The Red Sea appears in our own lives as well. Ultimately, the story of our lives comes down to a few key moments of decision. These spell the difference between a life of achievement versus one of regret. Often we procrastinate until the best option no longer remains. The door is closed and we comfort ourselves by saying, "Oh well, what could I do, things just didn't work out."
This Shabbos, as we read the portion of Beshalach, take a few minutes and ask yourself:
- What negative situation am I perpetuating simply because I am not willing to make the effort to change?
- Why am I afraid to change?
- What is the worst thing that can possibly happen?
- What is holding me back from achieving my full potential?
- In 10 years from now, what decision will I regret not having made?
Sometimes the answer is just "do it." To jump into the sea.
The question was once asked of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov, the great 18th century Chassidic leader: "What if someone feels distant from God and Torah? How can he enter the 'loop' of spirituality which on one hand is so appealing, yet on the other hand is intimidating?" Rebbe Nachman answered: "Go to a Shabbos table and sing a niggun (melody). Sing it with zest and verve, with feeling from deep in your soul. That's the way to jump in."
Life's Crescendo
Unfortunately, our lives are not equipped with background music reaching its crescendo, to alert us that the "big moment" has arrived. Our only hope of escaping the confines of Egypt is to honestly confront our fears and embrace the opportunities that God gives us to grow.
Of course, we cannot always know what's waiting on the other side of the sea. But that's part of the beauty. It's our chance to become invigorated with the fullness of life.
The Torah tells us: Nachshon chose life. We must do the same. The feeling is liberating. Our self-esteem depends on it. And it is our only true option.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Shraga Simmons
(31) Anonymous, February 19, 2017 6:52 PM
Amen! Excellent article and very well written! Thanks for posting!
(30) Ben of Ben's Tallit Shop, January 21, 2016 3:48 PM
How did Nachshon know?
How did Nachshon know that the sea would split? I had always assumed it was intuition, but this year I noticed that he must have been told by Moshe. Take a look at Shemos 14:15. "The Lord said to Moses, Why do you cry out to Me? Speak to the children of Israel and let them travel." And Rashi explains, "They have nothing to do but to travel, for the sea will not stand in their way." So Moshe must have communicated this to all (or most) of the people there, and only Nachshon fully internalized the message, and had the faith and courage to act on that knowledge.
(29) Anonymous, January 20, 2016 1:15 PM
Great article! Thanks for posting!
(28) jAY, March 28, 2015 1:09 AM
tHANK U
THIS CAME AT A WONDERFUL TIME. SHABBAT SHALOM
(27) Anonymous, January 30, 2015 6:51 PM
The Almighty helps me to get it done! :-)
The "it" to which I refer is extremely global. My faith in the Almighty is helping me to move some figurative mountains.
(26) Anonymous, January 30, 2015 2:06 PM
Yes!
Love this teaching! Thank you so much for posting this!
(25) Heidi T., January 29, 2015 3:56 PM
Thank you!
Thank you so much, this is wonderful!
(24) Sarah Rivka :), January 10, 2014 9:01 PM
I "jumped into the sea" a year ago Chanukah....
...I don't want to give the details in a public forum but let's just say my life has been unimaginably improved since I made that decision....Things didn't turn out exactly as I would have wanted but I would have regretted not having the good parts if I hadn't taken the chance that I did. I wouldn't have known what I would have been missing!
(23) The Pilgrim, April 24, 2011 1:44 PM
Thank you
Great lesson -- Thank you! We have a similar statement of faith in the Christian Community: "If you want to walk on the water, you will have to get out of the boat."
(22) Anonymous, January 13, 2011 1:47 PM
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE EXACT SITUATION I AM NOW FACING. JUMP INTO THE SEA OR MISS LIFE. I REALLY WANT TO JUMP INTO THE SEA. I AM READING RABBI PLISKINS BOOK ON COURAGE AND TAKE CHARGE. I DO NOT WANT TO MISS ANY OPPORTUNITIES FOR LIFE THAT HASHEM PRESENTS TO ME. I MUST PICK UP THE SERPENT AND TURN IT INTO A STAFF.
(21) Anonymous, January 12, 2011 4:13 AM
For many years, I have had an internal debate to change the spiritual course of my life. When I finally made the decision to change gear, the "Stockholm Syndrome" appears to control my heart and my mind, creating the internal conflict. This article came at the right time to strengthen and clarify that mental instability, and compells me to move my steps towards the red sea dry path, and out of the comfort zone. Thank you very much Rabbi Simmons for influencing the religious course of my life.
(20) scott sigman, February 16, 2006 12:00 AM
brilliant article!
Thank you for these awesome insights, I am so encouraged.
(19) Barb Finer, April 18, 2005 12:00 AM
Nachshon article -
Hello from Rochester, NY- thank you so much for sharing the Nachshon moments with us; I just forwarded your column to my rabbi.
A Happy Pesach!
Barb Finer
(18) Anonymous, January 20, 2005 12:00 AM
thank you
i read this at just the time i needed to. I think Stockholm syndrome is in effect in many peoples lives in the modern world and I am inspired to be a person who has the faith to try and avoid looking back with regret for not being the one who walked into the water.
(17) Daphna, January 20, 2005 12:00 AM
nice timing
I have been battling with a big decision recently--whether to switch jobs. My current job is comfortable and pays well but isn't that challenging. A new job could be...well...I don't know! That is why it is frightening and why I have been really holding an intense mental debate even as I go on interviews. Thanks for the reminder that we don't have to be sure in order to leap; we just have to be willing to try and jump.
(16) Anonymous, January 18, 2005 12:00 AM
Gevaldik!!!!
Reb Shraga, You've outdone yourself!!
We all know the story of Nachshon, but I heard it "for the first time" as you showed us the inner drama which took place in the hearts of Nachshon and The Bnai Yisroel.
Who would've that that a simple Medrash was actually so deep and profound! And you didn't embellish-it's clear to me now that that's what it's saying!
May Hashem bless you with health & Happiness so you can continue to be "Marbeetz Torah"!
(15) Anonymous, November 8, 2004 12:00 AM
right on!
Rabbi Shraga Simmons,
Your writing always inspires and seems to always cover topics that affect my life just at the right moment. I enjoyed you latest "weekly " very much because I am going through great changes myself and need all the love and inspiration that your articles convey. Yes, G-d does indeed move in "mysterious ways". Regret is a terrible feeling and I hope that by studying the great wisdom you share, I can get on with my life and at the same time help others.
(14) Michal, February 4, 2004 12:00 AM
Thanks for giving me hope (and a push to go on)
Dear Rabbi Shraga Simmons,
When I read about Nachshon, I had the feeling its me who you are talking about. I am walking in the water already with no intention to go back to "Egypt". But sometimes I am filled with fear because the "dry land" until now is nowhere to be seen. Your "torah portion" gave me hope and strengthened my trust in G-d. I will go on until the Sea will "split".
Shalom uv'racha!
Michal
(13) Claire, February 3, 2004 12:00 AM
I am trying to get the courage to let me employer know that I need to retire. I am sure he can find a replacement; but my ego /insecurity can't accept that reality.
(12) Sandra, February 3, 2004 12:00 AM
Favored Reading
I'm grateful for the good fortune in finding your website. The commentaries are provocative and they provide me with precious insights. I thought about my procrastination and a professional scholarship I could have been awarded if only I had gotten my application in on time.
(11) Jeff, January 15, 2003 12:00 AM
Choose Life
This parsha really hit home. I've been out of work for a few months and am struggling to get the nerve up to go back out and confront the challenges of the current job market. I found this week's thoughts very inspiring.
Thanks!
(10) Betsy, January 13, 2003 12:00 AM
What if you cannot tell Egypt from the Sea?
I stand at a defining moment of decision about my future with a relationship. Sometimes I look at the relationship and see Egypt; sometimes I see it as the sea. How can I tell the difference without waiting too long until it does not matter any more?
(9) Sally, January 13, 2003 12:00 AM
this was written for everyone......
This was written for everyone and it was written especially for me.
Thank you, Rabbi Simmons!
(8) alber eliþ, January 26, 2002 12:00 AM
why jump into the sea then fight back
I wonder what was on Nachshon's mind when he started to walk into the sea.Was he imagining that the sea will split or he was going to die with honour.Ýf he was thinking that he will be dead in afew moments then,why not fight back(which I think would be less mirucolous to win the battle than splitting of the sea)and at this moment you could think that with gods help you could win the battle,but expecting the sea to split how can one imagine that and decide to act.
(7) Michael, January 26, 2002 12:00 AM
How funny
I found your Dvar Torah printed out in Bombay Shul. It was so timely. For a moment today, I did indeed enter the
'loop of spirituality.' Beshalach was my bar mitzvah parsha, and they asked me to sing the haftarah. I hadn't done so in the 14 years since my bar mitzvah. It was quite an experience, as the sounds and smells of bombay flooded through the open windows of the beautiful shul.
I will now try to be like Nachshon in all my adventures!
(6) Anonymous, January 25, 2002 12:00 AM
thank you,
This dvar torah is a powerfull and strong motivation in business as well,
will distribute this article at my next agency meeting.
(5) Andy Schultz, January 24, 2002 12:00 AM
I am enlightened
Yashe Koach! Your material helps guide my D'vrei Torah that I deliver to the members of my organization. Thanks for the insight!
Good Shabbos!
(4) Ahavah, January 23, 2002 12:00 AM
Shraga's weekly
I'm so glad I signed up, thank you for your concise summary and the relevant thoughts and questions that follow. Kol Ha Kvod.
(3) Casieopea Daniel, January 23, 2002 12:00 AM
I stand challenged....
My innate desire is to run and hide from the "hard" things....and you encourage me to let go of fear with the "holding on" hand, so I can grasp the good, once my hand is empty. Thank you Rabbi.....making my way in adult life from a non-practicing childhood, you are a wealth of inspiration and knowledge. I look forward to reading every week.
(2) Maria Dafico, January 20, 2002 12:00 AM
I simply love...
Every little thing I read from Rabbi Shraga, fills me of courage , certainty and joy.Although most of the sittuations we have to face just bring us FEAR, the only thing we gotta do is jump, jump into the RED SEA. May G"d give us the faith and trust to do so , always.
(1) Murray Kupersmith, February 8, 2001 12:00 AM
Don't expect background music, just do it!
Very readable. We need to be courageous and walk through the doors we open to the future with faith that the Almighty is always on our side.