B'shalach

Exodus 13:17-17:16

Précis: And when Pharaoh “had let them go” (b’shalach), the story of the Exodus from Egypt is concluded - almost. Carrying with them the bones of Joseph and the "spoils of Egypt," Moses leads the Israelites by way of the Red Sea. They cross the Sea ahead of Pharaoh’s pursuing army, which subsequently drowns as the Sea returns. Moses sings his triumphant Song of the Sea, and Miriam’s song of joy follows. The Israelites begin to murmur against Moses and Aaron because of a lack of food and water. God provides heavenly “manna” to eat and instructs Moses to strike a rock to obtain water. The Shabbat is introduced as a day of rest, even before it appears in the 10 Commandments. In their first battle, with Amalek, the Israelites are successful as long as Moses’ hands remain in the air, and with the help of Aaron and Joshua (who support Moses’ arms), the Israelites succeed.


Exodus 15:22-25 “And Moses led Israel on from the Red Sea, and they went to the wilderness of Shur, for three days, and they found no water. And then they came to Marah, and could not drink the water, for it was bitter. And the people murmured….And Moses cried to Adonai, and Adonai showed him a tree, and he threw it in the waters, and the water was made sweet.”

This verse serves as a proof-text for the Sages to mandate regular recitation of the Torah study. The connection? The Talmud suggests (Baba Kama 82a), that the “water” we read here also refers to Torah, based on the verse in Isaiah, “Ho, all who are thirsty, come for water” (55:1). In this verse, since the Israelites went for 3 days without water (Torah), they grew weary. So the Sages required that three days should not pass without a public reading of Torah (Shabbat, Monday and Thursday).

This analysis is a fine example of rabbinic exegesis, linking one verse from the Bible with another to find connections and lessons. It also serves as a reminder to all of us that our study of Torah should not be limited to Shabbat, but is an endeavor which should be part of our daily lives. Well, at least every three days!