Orli,
When we
gathered on Tuesday evening to celebrate your becoming a Bat Mitzvah, you spoke about the poetry
aspect of parashat Beshallach. The topic
of your talk spoke not only to us, but to your heart because you are deeply
involved with the craft of writing. I
have decided to speak about an individual whose actions can teach us a lesson
about our own lives. Your mother spoke about Miriam who is directly mentioned in the Parasha. I am going to speak about an individual who is only mentioned in the Midrash for this parasha.
There is no
doubt in my mind that the splitting of Yam Suf was a miracle which suspended
the laws of nature in order to bring our ancestors to freedom. There is a midrash, however, that says that
this miracle was also a response to an Israelite who was willing to take a leap
of faith before the entire group that stood paralyzed before the deep waters. His name was Nachshon Ben Aminadav and he was
from the tribe of Judah. He exhibited
bravery and loyalty to G-d. We are told that even though he could not swim, he
walked into the undivided waters first up to his ankles, then up to his knees,
then up to his waist, then up to his shoulders, and finally up to his
mouth. His action was a sign to G-d and
the midrash leads us to believe that G-d split the waters in response to
Nachshon’s decision to show loyalty to Him and leadership among the people of
Israel.
I see
Nachshon as a role model for all of us.
As the Lubavitcher Rebbe commented: Nachshon was under no obligation to do what he
did, but he “knew that G-d wanted Israel to move onward toward Sinai. So he did what he needed to do. There was a
sea in his way so he jumped into the sea and plowed on toward his goal.” In other words, he demonstrated great focus
on his goals, an unwillingness to succumb to despair in the face of challenges,
and a commitment to G-d.
As you take
on the status of being a Bat Mitzvah, remember Nachshon’s example and strive to
adopt these attributes of positive leadership.
Don’t be afraid of doing the right thing even when others are not
willing to take the first step to do so. When there are times in your life that
you think you are between a rock and a hard place, have faith that you will be
okay. Don’t become immobilized by fear
and doubt. Remember to act with courage
and confidence and devotion to G-d. And
remember to open your eyes to the everyday miracles of life and of living in
this holy land….they are numerous and maybe not as outwardly evident as the
splitting of the sea, but they are indeed astounding!
Grandpa and
I love you and are so happy to be here with Abby, Jemma, and Becca to mark this special time in your life
with you and your family.
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