Rabbi Jon’s Reflection on This Week’s Torah Portion
1.26.2024
B'shalach 2024: Who Gives You Strength?
A short reflection on B'shalach (Exodus 13:17 - 17:16)
If you’ve ever worked out with weights, you know that there comes a point when you hit a wall. No matter how much you struggle, you just can’t accomplish your goal because the weights you are attempting to lift are just beyond your physical capabilities. If you’re working out alone, you are forced to give up. But, if you have a trainer, a friend, or a workout partner nearby, they can provide assistance, and, suddenly, you are able to achieve your goal. I think of times — in my younger years – where just a pinkie’s worth of assistance was all I needed to reach my goals. But, without that little bit of assistance, I would have lost my battle.
In this week’s Torah portion, B’shalach, the Israelites battle the Amalekites, a nation that becomes our arch enemy. It is our first conflict after our departure from Egypt. In Exodus chapter 17 we read, “Amalek came and fought with Israel at Rephidim. Moses said to Joshua, ‘Pick some troops for us, and go out and do battle with Amalek. Tomorrow I will station myself on the top of the hill, with the rod of God in my hand.’ Joshua did as Moses told him and fought with Amalek, while Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. Then, whenever Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed; but whenever he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses’ hands grew heavy; so they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it, while Aaron and Hur, one on each side, supported his hands; thus his hands remained steady until the sun set. And Joshua overwhelmed the people of Amalek with the sword.” This is the entirety of the story of the battle, yet the content and imagery speak volumes.
The Israelites did not stumble into Amalekite territory. The Amalekites, according to rabbinic commentary, came searching for them. Historically, the Amalekites represent all the nations and groups who have attacked us throughout the generations for no discernible reason. Hence, our eternal battle with them. We often place the Amalekite label on our enemies.
The Israelites are fairly passive throughout the story of the Exodus. They let God and Moses do all the heavy lifting, never raising a finger to assist. For this battle, God is not cursing the Amalekites with plagues or drowning them in a sea. Instead, the people must fight to protect themselves. Where do they find the courage? Through their leader, Moses. Without him, the battle might have been lost.
However, Moses also needs support, and he receives it from Aaron and Hur. The visual of Moses lifting his rod with the assistance of these two men speaks of the assistance we all need in achieving our goals, goals which often inspire others.
Who gives you strength to lift your arms to the heavens in order to assist those you love when you have no strength left? If you haven’t given thanks to those who help you achieve your goals and who give you strength, then today might be the day to do it.
As strength is given to you, so must you share it with others.
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B’shalach SUMMARY FROM THE URJ
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The Children of Israel escape across the Sea of Reeds from Pharaoh and his army, who drown when God drives back the sea. (13:17-14:31)
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Moses and the Israelites sing a song praising Adonai. (15:1-21)
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In the wilderness, God provides the grumbling Israelites with quails and manna. God instructs the Israelites to gather and prepare on the sixth day food needed for Shabbat. (15:22-16:36)
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The people complain about the lack of water. Moses hits a rock with his rod and brings forth water. (17:1-7)
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Israel defeats Amalek, Israel's eternal enemy. God vows to blot out the memory of Amalek from the world. (17:8-16)
For more on this Torah portion from the URJ go to:
https://reformjudaism.org/torah/portion/bshalach
