 | January 30 - February 27 2006 |  |
 |
||
|
The Departure from Egypt
Exodus Chapter 13, Verse 21- Chapter 14, Verse 31 Chapter 13, Verse 21: "VaHashem Holeich Leefneihem Yomam Bi'amud Anan Lanchotam Haderech, Vilayla Bi'amud Eish Liha'eer Lahem, Laiechet Yomam Valayla". "And G-D went before them during the day in a pillar of cloud which was to lead them along the way, and during the night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could go during the day and during the night." Overview of the Biblical Text: The Children of Israel, bonded by their shared experiences and service to G-d, left Egypt on Pharaoh's orders. They are now united as the Jewish people under the leadership and guidance of Moses. They trusted G-D to protect them and care for them as they ventured into the unknown. In addition to G-D's presence which accompanied the Jewish people, G-D also supplied a tangible source of guidance for His nation. A pillar of cloud led them during daylight and a pillar of flame led them during the night. Because they tried to get as far away from Egypt as they could, they also traveled at night. Chapter 14, Verse 6 : "Vayesor Et Reechbo, Vi'et Amo lakach Eemo" "And he harnessed his chariot and he took his nation with him." Overview of the Biblical Text: Three days after sending the Jews away, Pharaoh changed his mind. He regretted freeing such hardworking and valuable slaves and decided to pursue them. He quickly led his people in chasing after the Jews to bring them back. Chapter 14, Verse 10: "U'Phar'o Heekreev, Vayees'u Vinei Yisroel Et Eineihem Viheenei! Meetzreem Nosei Achareihem, Vayeer'u Mi'od Vayeetzaku Vinei Yisroel El Hashem." "And Pharaoh drew himself close and the Children of Israel lifted their eyes- and behold! Egypt was traveling after them, and they became very frightened and the Children of Israel cried out to G-D" Overview of the Biblical Text: The Children of Israel thought that they had left Egypt behind them. Suddenly they realized that the Egyptians were pursuing them at a great speed. Even if they could have run, there was no place to go, for directly ahead of them was the sea. Fear overcame them and they did what Jews have always done in time of need- they cried out to G-D in prayer. Chapter 14, Verse 14: "Hashem Yeelacheim Lachem, Va'atem Tachareeshun." "G-D will fight for you and you will remain silent." Overview of the Biblical Text: G-D commanded Moses to reassure the Jews that he would continue to care for them. Moses calmed the Jewish people by telling them that they would be taken care of and no effort would be required of them. Chapter 14, Verses 21 & 31: Verse 21: "Vayeit Moshe Et Yado Al Hayam, Vayoleich Hashem Et Hayam Biru'ach Kadeem Aza Kol Halayla, Vayasem Et Hayam Lecharava, Vayeebak'u Hamayeem." "And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea and G-D moved the sea with a strong east wind and He made the sea into dry land and the waters split." Verse 31: "Vayar Yisroel Et Hayad Hagdola Asher Asa Hashem Bimeetzrayeem, Vayeer'u Ha'am Et Hashem, Vaya'ameenu BaHashem U'viMoshe Avdo." "And Israel saw what the great hand of G-d did to Egypt and the nation feared G-D, and they had faith in G-D and in Moses his servant." Overview of the Biblical Text: Even though the situation appeared hopeless, G-D instructed Moses to move forward towards the sea. Moses was directed to stretch his arm over the sea in order to facilitate the salvation of his people. Indeed, G-D changed the entire course of nature by splitting the sea and causing the bottom to become dry enough to walk on. The Jewish people were able to quickly walk through on dry land to get to the other side. Their Egyptian pursuers were not so fortunate. As they entered the dry sea, the floor became swampy and the waters tumbled down and drowned them. Upon witnessing their salvation, the Jews broke into song praising and thanking G-D for protecting them and saving them from their enemies. Discussion Questions:
This New Month | Activities | Cooking | Holidays | Stories from our Torah Songs | Resources | e-Treats | Rosh Chodesh | About this Site | Other Months © 2002, 2003, 2004 JCC Association 'This New Month' Project |