Beshalach - Young Israel of Kendall
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Young Israel of Kendall
Rabbi Becker's Message - February 3
BESHALACH CHINESE FORTUNE COOKIE In the restaurant, when everyone unraveled the paper tucked into their dessert and read its contents, one maxim in particular caught my attention. It stated: “It is by those who have suffered that the world is most advanced.” The simple words struck me for they touched on one of the challenges of all mankind – understanding why there is suffering. After the miracle of the splitting of the sea, the people of Israel sang the praises of G-d, which begins, “Az yashir Moshe, then Moshe sang.”[1] The first word “Az, then,” was chosen deliberately. It alluded to a previous time that Moshe had used the same word. When he presented to G-d the issue that from the time he appeared before Pharaoh the plight of the children of Israel worsened, he stated, “MeAz Bahsi, from then, the time that I came.”[2] Moshe was taken to task for his words that seemed to be a complaint. The use of the same word later on was meant to rectify the matter and serve as atonement.[3] How was this accomplished? When someone undergoes an illness or difficulty and then is healed he is joyful and expresses appreciation. If the person considers his relief alone, the pain he had suffered would not add to his gladness at the moment of easement when he figures that he would rather have been spared the pain. What took place at the sea was different. The people understood that their persecution was part of a process that led to redemption. They were the vehicles through whom recognition and appreciation of G-d occurred. The word ‘Az’, which had been used regarding their distress, was incorporated into their song because they were glad that their sorrow served a higher purpose. They thereby were singing praise, even for the suffering they had endured.[4] When people go to the gym for a workout, they are often enthusiastic and excited. The sweat and even pain is self-afflicted. Nevertheless, they understand it leads to their being in great shape. They don’t despise going to the gym. They are glad they have the opportunity. King David said, “I will give thanks to You, for You have afflicted me and served as my salvation.”[5] How can you express thanks for affliction? If you recognize that there is good that comes from it. Do we understand that enduring the challenges in life make us stronger? Can we consider that the way we handle life’s difficulties can lift and inspire others? Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Hershel D. Becker
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