Ex. 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 led by Joshua, against Amalek, the Israelites are successful as long as Moses’ hands remain in the air, and with the help of Aaron and Hur (who support Moses’ arms), they prevail.
Ex. 13:17-19 “Now when Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although it was nearer....so God led the people round-about, by way of the wilderness... for the People may have a change in heart”
Rabbi Ana Bonnheim gives us a new insight into these important verses (Reform Judaism.org, 2/6/17) by breaking down the introduction to the parasha in three parts:
1. “Now when Pharaoh let the people go …” While it is true that Pharaoh lets the people go, the text has made it clear that it is God’s action which results in the Exodus.
2. “God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although it was nearer…” We see here that it is God who is responsible for the wanderings in the desert.
3.“For God said, ‘The people may have a change of heart …’” While God has engineered the Exodus, it is the People who will determine their own future.
This parasha sets the stage for the complicated experience of the Jews in the Wilderness and with their ability to accept the burdens of freedom.
Citing Michael Walzer, Princeton University professor, Bonnheim notes that theories of revolution fall into two camps: those who believe it to be a gift from God, and those who believe it must be earned by the oppressed. Our tradition indicates that freedom and revolution come from within. Liberation may be exulting and based on primal belief, but it presages hard work.
In the United States this past week, we have seen a disregard for our own founding beliefs of the need to uphold oaths of office and the Constitution. The rank odor of a new revolution permeates our atmosphere. But like the Israelites recently released from bondage, we can achieve (or re-achieve) a Promised Land with hard work. It may take generations, but it will – with God’s help – be achieved.
