This week's d'var comes out a bit early, since we're off away for a couple of days.
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 almost concluded. Carrying with them the bones of Joseph and the “spoils of Egypt,” Moses leads the Israelites by way of the Red (or Reed) Sea. They cross the sea ahead of Pharaoh’s pursuing army, which subsequently drowns in the returning waters. 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 provides water as well. The Shabbat is introduced as a day of rest, even before it appears in the Ten 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), they prevail.
Ex. 15:26 "If you will heed the Eternal your God diligently, doing what is upright in God's sight, giving ear to God's commandments and keeping all God's laws, then I will not bring upon you any of the diseases that I brought upon the Egyptians, for I the Eternal am your healer"
All of us experience illness in ourselves, among family members, and among our friends. The recitation of the “misheberach” prayer in many congregations (often using Debbie Friedman’s haunting melody) is, for many, a deeply moving part of the Shabbat morning service. But do we really believe in a God who heals us? Lucy H. F. Dinner states (10 Minutes of Torah 1/20/12) , “Jews have been seeking answers to this question for millennia.” She notes that this verse is found immediately after verses in which the Israelites complain about bitter water (Ex.15:23−4). How does this context help us understand the concept of God as healer? Ibn Ezra has suggested that the verse is “a promise.” Just as God healed the bitter water, he can heal you. On the other hand, Nachmanides views the verse as warning, that we will escape the plagues of life only if we follow God’s path.
Personally, I am at a loss intellectually to come to grips with the concept of God as a healer, or of the efficacy of prayers seeking a restoration of health. I can accept the idea that personal prayer can help restore oneself to health, since we know that one’s attitude towards many illnesses plays at least some part in the healing process. I have very little “faith” that my prayers on behalf of another have any real impact on that person’s recovery.
I admit that on an emotional level, I am moved by the misheberach prayer recited for others, even if my rational mind tells me that the prayer will not really help that individual get better. And, when one prays for another’s health, one is reminded of the need to be kind, to comfort, and to help sustain that person by actions.
