Rabbi Howard Morrison

The many themes associated with today's Torah portion teach us how to move forward in our lives and as a people.

Before the Exodus can take place, Moses gathers the bones of Joseph. They will not be left behind in Egypt. Taking the bones of Joseph reminds a new generation of Israelites that they need to know their past before they can move forward. In Pirkei Avot, the teachings of the Sages, we learn that we must know from whence we have come before we can figure out where we are going. The bones of Joseph remind the people of how they got to Egypt in the first place, and what has transpired in the intervening hundreds of years.

In addition, the taking of the bones of Joseph teaches us that no Jew can be left behind in captivity in the land of an enemy. While various forces are ready for Israel to move forward in its peace plan and continued co-existence with Gaza, we can never ever forget that the body of Ran Gavili was still trapped in the hell of Gaza until early this past week. Finally, after 843 days of praying and demonstrating, the special hostage Bima chair adorned with Ran's picture over the last many weeks has been removed, as his body was laid to rest with honor and dignity in Israel.

In today's Parsha, put yourself in the following scenario. You do not know yet that the waters of the Reed Sea will split. A raging sea stands in front of you, and a pursuing Egyptian army is catching up to you. What would you do? Based on literal verses in our reading today, our ancient Sages suggest that the Israelites were divided into four competing camps. Some said, "Let's go back to Egypt. It wasn't so bad there." Others said, "Let's fight against them, even though the odds of victory seems slim to none." Some said, "Let us throw ourselves into the sea, and just drown." Some said, "Let's hold our hands up and pray to God." Where would you have stood in this debate? In the same scenario, Moses responds to the four groups, "Fear not, God will fight for you, and you will maintain your peace." 

However, even the stance of of Moses is rejected. When Moses cries out to God, God critiques Moses - "There is a time to pray, and there is a time to act. Tell the children of Israel that they should move forward." In a legendary account, each tribe waits for the other to jump in first. None do. Even Moses holds back. A plain, anonymous Jew, Nachshon ben Aminadav jumps in alone, not knowing his fate. He appears to be drowning. the water level rises up to his nose. Only then, does the miracle of the sea splitting take place, and the people move forward.

Many of our people feel stuck over the last two and a half years and the surge in Jew-hatred. We feel like the competing groups standing at the sea. As difficult as it is, we need to move forward, be united, proud, and dedicated in our collective purpose. 

It is noteworthy that as we celebrate Shabbat Shira today, we also celebrate an Aufruf. This is an example of how Jews move forward. We continue to celebrate our lifecycle moments proudly and in grand style.

It is also noteworthy that every year we celebrate Shabbat Shira, Tu-Bishvat, the new year of trees in Israel, is around the corner. This year, Tu Bishvat takes place this Sunday night and Monday, February 1-2. There is no greater holiday occasion which celebrates the texture and renewal of the trees, the plants, the fruits, and the vegetation of the land of Israel. I encourage all of us to find a way of supporting Israel this Tu-Bishvat - Have trees planted in Israel through Jewish National Fund, Organize a Tu-Bishvat Seder - All kinds of templates can be found on line. Sample delicious fruits and vegetables that grow in Israel, and other creative ideas.

Shabbat Shirah and our portion containing the actual exodus from slavery to freedom teach us how to move forward even when the obstacles seem insurmountable. Move forward we will!

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Howard Morrison